A breakdown on the Italian highway is an unsettling prospect for many travelers, especially when abroad. A few days ago, we experienced this situation firsthand, on the Autostrada A1 just outside Parma. What initially sounded alarming turned out to be a surprisingly smooth experience.
Engine warning light: the car stopped responding to the accelerator
We were traveling in our Fiat 500X when the engine warning light suddenly came on and the vehicle lost nearly all power. The car would no longer respond to the accelerator, and acceleration was impossible. Fortunately, there was a rest area directly ahead, which we managed to reach on the remaining power. That was crucial, because a breakdown on the shoulder or on the roadway itself would have posed significant risks on a heavily traveled highway like the A1. We were reasonably prepared for such a situation: once the vehicle was safely parked, we contacted the ADAC through the ADAC app. Shortly afterward, a callback came in from Germany, where the situation was logged and forwarded. The ADAC's Italian partner organization then took over and arranged for a local towing service. Our car was picked up by an authorized towing company and brought to Parma, to La Nuova Parma , a workshop with an affiliated towing and breakdown service. The vehicle was professionally received and parked there to await repairs, as the incident occurred on a Sunday and work could only begin on the next business day.
Breakdown: an unplanned stopover in Parma
For us, this meant spending an unplanned stopover in Parma. Here, too, the benefits of solid coverageas an ADAC Plus member became clear: hotel costs were covered by the ADAC, with reimbursement of up to 85 euros per night per person for a maximum of three nights. What started as a forced pause turned into an unexpected opportunity to get to know Parma a little. Rather than waiting anxiously to get back on the road, there was time to explore the city and approach the stay far more relaxed than one might expect under the circumstances. On Monday, the vehicle was inspected and repaired at the workshop; by Tuesday, it was ready for pickup. The cause of the sudden power loss turned out to be relatively straightforward: a faulty ignition coil had triggered the fault, and the spark plugs also needed to be replaced. The repair was handled professionally and without complications. What stood out particularly was the friendly, reliable communication with the team at La Nuova Parma, which even took place in part via WhatsApp. Very practical. The fact that some Italian is now spokenon our end made communication even easier. Overall, the service felt thorough and attentive. In a stressful situation like a breakdown abroad, that is a decisive factor, which is why this workshop can be recommended without reservation.
On weekends, some patience is required
In retrospect, the entire process was considerably less complicated than one might have expected. The coordination between the ADAC and the Italian partner services ran smoothly, the organizational support was reassuring, and the time until repairs were completed was bridged productively. Our experience confirms the general recommendations for breakdowns on Italian highways: the most important steps are to move the vehicle off the roadway if technically possible, stay calm, and arrange assistance through official channels. Anyone who is a member of an automobile club with international coverage should always contact them first, as they handle coordination with local services. On weekends, some patience is required, since repairs typically cannot begin until the next business day, though towing and safe storage of the vehicle are available at any time. A breakdown on the highway in Italy is undoubtedly unpleasant. Our experience on the A1 near Parma shows, however, that it does not have to be a disaster. With the right response, solid coverage, and functioning infrastructure even a forced pause can turn into an unexpectedly positive experience. As a final note: the journey was continued afterward without further incident, all the way to Pozzuoli .
Info box: breakdown in Italy
- Safety first: If possible, coast to the nearest exit, rest area, or lay-by. Turn on hazard lights, put on a high-visibility vest, then move behind the guardrail.
- Securing the breakdown site: Place the warning triangle at a sufficient distance from the vehicle (typically well behind it when visibility is good).
- Arranging assistance: If there is a roadside assistance membership or automobile club (e.g., ADAC via app or phone), that should be the first point of contact. Alternatively, SOS emergency call pillars on the highway or the general emergency number can be used.
- Important information to have ready: Location/kilometer marker (shown on highway signs and often on SOS pillars), direction of travel, license plate number, vehicle model, brief description of the problem.
- Emergencies: In the event of an accident, injuries, or a dangerous situation, always dial the Europe-wide emergency number.
Important contacts
- European emergency number: 112
- ACI roadside assistance (Italy): 803 116
- ACI roadside assistance (from abroad or mobile): 800 116 800
- ADAC: via the ADAC app or the ADAC emergency number listed on the membership card (0049 89 22 22 22)
Note: On Sundays and public holidays, repair shops are often closed. Towing and secure storage are still available; repairs are typically carried out on the next business day.