Enjoy complimentary customisation on priority with our Enterprise License!
The automotive brake fluid market size is forecast to increase by USD 317.14 billion at a CAGR of 2.95% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing number of vehicles in use and the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs). With the rise in automotive production and sales, there is a corresponding increase in demand for brake fluids. Additionally, the shift towards electric vehicles is creating new opportunities in the market as these vehicles require specialized brake fluids. However, the market is also facing challenges such as volatility in raw material prices and the need for continuous product innovation to meet evolving regulatory requirements and consumer expectations. To stay competitive, market players are focusing on research and development, cost optimization, and strategic partnerships.
Overall, the market is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, driven by these trends and challenges.
Automotive brake fluids, also known as hydraulic fluids, play a crucial role in the automotive industry by ensuring the efficient functioning of hydraulic braking systems in vehicles. These fluids are essential mechanical elements in the application of hydraulic force to activate the brakes, enabling vehicles to stop safely. The market for automotive brake fluids is driven by the increasing demand for passenger cars and the need for metal corrosion prevention in the hydraulic braking system. Brake fluids are typically made from polyethylene glycols and are designed to operate at high temperatures. They are non-toxic, non-flammable, and have a high boiling point to prevent vapor lock.
The automotive sector's shift towards electric vehicles is leading to the development of high-performance fluids for electric braking systems. Automotive brake fluids are used in various mechanical components, including the main hydraulic cylinder, wheel cylinder, brake caliper, brake pads, rotor, and brake liners. Valvoline and other leading engine oil manufacturers also produce brake fluids to cater to the growing demand in the market. The market is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing number of vehicles on the road and the need for safe and efficient braking systems.
The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.
The OEM segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market encompasses the production and supply of hydraulic fluids, specifically brake fluid oil, for use in automotive applications. These fluids play a crucial role in the hydraulic braking system, lubricating mechanical elements such as pistons, cylinders, and wheel cylinders, while ensuring the proper functioning of brake calipers, brake pads, rotors, and rubber components. Brake fluids must meet vehicle safety standards, possessing a high boiling point to prevent vapor lock and corrosive properties to protect against rust and deterioration. Glycol ethers and polyethylene glycols are common chemical compositions for brake fluids, with borate and silicon-based fluids also available as alternatives.
Moreover, the OEM segment of the market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing production of passenger and commercial vehicles. Automotive OEMs are responsible for the initial installation of braking systems and brake fluids during vehicle production, as well as providing maintenance and repair services throughout the vehicle's lifespan. OEMs focus on purchasing high-quality brake fluids from reputable suppliers to ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicles. Brake fluids are used in various automotive applications, including hydraulic brakes, clutches, and brake by wire systems. DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5 glycol and silicon-based fluids are commonly used, with varying water content and chemical compositions.
The market for automotive brake fluids is expected to continue growing, driven by the increasing demand for vehicles and the need for safe and reliable braking systems. This includes applications in antique cars and weekend cars, where maintaining proper brake fluid levels is essential for optimal performance.
Get a glance at the market share of various segments Request Free Sample
The OEM segment was valued at USD 1.09 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.
APAC is estimated to contribute 49% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.
For more insights on the market share of various regions Request Free Sample
The market encompasses various vehicle types, including collector cars, military vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, towing vehicles, race cars, and passenger cars, as well as commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks. In addition, the market caters to automobile service centers, workshops, retailers, including general retailers, gasoline retailers, and automotive retailers. In Asia Pacific (APAC), developing economies like India and China are propelling market growth due to the substantial sales volume of passenger cars. Furthermore, the region's developed automotive markets, such as Japan and South Korea, also contribute significantly to the market's expansion. Synthetic brake fluids' advantages in automobiles, such as high performance, metal corrosion prevention, and compatibility with advanced systems like anti-lock brake systems and electronic stability programs, are driving revenue generation.
Moreover, the governments of India and China are promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), with plans to introduce 100,000 electric buses in India and China, respectively. As battery prices fall, the demand for electric vehicles and their associated brake fluids is expected to increase during the forecast period. Additionally, high-performance fluids for race cars and heavy-duty vehicles, as well as noise elimination and brake fade reduction solutions, cater to niche market segments. Brands like Valvoline offer a range of automotive fluids, including engine oil, battery protection fluid, and gearbox fluid, to cater to diverse customer needs.
Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.
The growing number of vehicles in use is the key driver of the market. The global automotive industry's expansion is driving the demand for automotive brake fluids. This trend is attributed to the rising number of vehicles in use worldwide. For instance, the European Union reported a 7% increase in registered passenger cars from 2017 to 2022, reaching nearly 253 million units. Similarly, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) reported an increase in sales of new lightweight vehicles from 8,568 units in 2017 to 9,069 units in 2022. In automotive applications, brake fluid oil, also known as hydraulic fluid, plays a crucial role in lubricating the mechanical elements of hydraulic braking systems, including pistons, cylinders, and brake calipers.
Moreover, the automotive brake fluids must meet vehicle safety standards. These fluids come in various chemical compositions, such as glycol ethers (DOT 3 and DOT 4) and silicon-based fluids (DOT 5). The choice of brake fluid depends on the specific requirements of the hydraulic braking system, including the boiling point, water content, and compatibility with rubber components. Over time, brake fluids can deteriorate, leading to the need for replacement. This is especially important for antique cars and weekend cars that may not be used frequently. OEMs offer a range of brake fluids to cater to different vehicle makes and models, including brake-by-wire systems. It is important to use the correct brake fluid for specific applications to ensure optimal performance and vehicle safety.
The growing popularity of EVs is the upcoming trend in the market. The market caters to the requirement of hydraulic fluids used in automotive applications for lubrication and corrosion protection in hydraulic braking systems. The market encompasses various types of brake fluids, including glycol ethers and polyethylene glycols, which comply with vehicle safety standards. The chemical composition of these fluids plays a crucial role in their performance, with DOT 3 and DOT 4 glycol fluids being widely used due to their high boiling points. Silicon-based fluids, such as DOT 5, are also gaining popularity due to their ability to withstand higher temperatures. The increasing sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are fueling the growth of the market.
Moreover, in 2023, over 2.3 million EVs were sold globally, with China leading the market, followed by Europe and the US. As the share of EVs in total sales continues to rise, the demand for automotive brake fluids is expected to increase. These fluids are essential for the proper functioning of mechanical elements like pistons, cylinders, brake liners, wheel cylinders, brake calipers, brake pads, rotors, and rubber components in both traditional and electric vehicles. The deterioration of these components due to prolonged use necessitates regular replacement, creating a constant demand for OEMs and aftermarket suppliers. The chemical composition of brake fluids, such as borate or silicon, significantly influences their performance.
For instance, glycol fluids are suitable for older vehicles, while silicon-based fluids are recommended for high-performance vehicles and antique cars. Brake-by-wire systems in modern vehicles also require specialized brake fluids. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the demand for advanced brake fluids that cater to the unique requirements of various vehicle types and applications is expected to increase.
Volatility in raw material prices is a key challenge affecting the market growth. The production of automotive brake fluids relies heavily on ethylene glycol, which is derived from ethylene as its primary raw material. The oil and gas industry is a significant supplier of ethylene for ethylene glycol manufacturing. As a result, changes in crude oil prices will influence the cost of petroleum fraction products, including ethylene glycol, ultimately affecting the production expenses of automotive brake fluids. In 2022, the global crude oil market experienced volatile price fluctuations. Automotive brake fluids, essential for the hydraulic braking system in vehicles, include various types such as glycol ethers and polyethylene glycols. These fluids provide lubrication to mechanical elements like pistons, cylinders, and master cylinders, ensuring vehicle safety standards.
However, they can be corrosive to rubber components, such as brake liners, hoses, and seals, necessitating regular replacement. Brake fluids come in different chemical compositions, including borate and silicon-based. DOT 3 and DOT 4 glycol fluids are widely used due to their high boiling points, making them suitable for various automotive applications. In contrast, DOT 5 silicon-based fluids have gained popularity due to their ability to operate at higher temperatures and longer service life. OEMs and aftermarket players offer a wide range of automotive brake fluids, catering to various vehicle types and applications. The market for these fluids is expected to grow due to increasing vehicle production and the need for regular brake system maintenance. Antique and weekend cars also require specific brake fluids to maintain their hydraulic systems effectively.
The market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.
Customer Landscape
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.
ADVICS: The company offers automotive brake fluids such as ADVICS DOT 3 brake fluid ultra-premium and ADVICS DOT 4 LV break fluid ultra-premium.
The market research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
Automotive brake fluids, also known as hydraulic fluids, play a crucial role in the hydraulic braking system of vehicles. These fluids facilitate lubrication and prevent corrosion in the mechanical elements, such as pistons, cylinders, and rubber components, of the braking system. The chemical composition of automotive brake fluids varies, with some using glycol ethers and others, like DOT 5 silicon-based fluids. The boiling point of brake fluids is an essential factor, as it affects the performance of the braking system, particularly in high-performance vehicles. For instance, DOT 3 and DOT 4 glycol fluids have lower boiling points, making them suitable for most vehicles, while DOT 5 silicon-based fluids have higher boiling points, making them ideal for high-performance applications.
Moreover, the automotive brake fluids are used in various automotive applications, including hydraulic brakes, clutches, and brake-by-wire systems. The replacement market for these fluids is significant, with OEMs and aftermarket players offering a wide range of products. The deterioration of brake fluids over time can lead to vehicle safety concerns, making regular replacement essential. Brake liners, rotors, wheel cylinders, brake calipers, and brake pads are some of the mechanical elements that come into contact with brake fluids. The water content in these fluids can affect their performance, with some manufacturers producing borate-based fluids to mitigate this issue. Antique cars and weekend cars also require specific types of brake fluids to maintain their braking systems effectively. Overall, the automotive brake fluids market is a vital segment of the automotive industry, ensuring vehicle safety and optimal braking performance.
Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
171 |
Base year |
2023 |
Historic period |
2018-2022 |
Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 2.95% |
Market Growth 2024-2028 |
USD 317.14 million |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2023-2024(%) |
2.31 |
Regional analysis |
APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa |
Performing market contribution |
APAC at 49% |
Key countries |
US, China, Japan, India, and Germany |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
ADVICS, AutoChemie Bitterfeld GmbH, BASF SE, BP Plc, Chevron Corp., China Petroleum and Chemical Corp., Clariant International Ltd., DuPont de Nemours Inc., Exxon Mobil Corp., FUCHS PETROLUB SE, Granville Oil and Chemicals Ltd., Guangdong Delian Group Co., Ltd., Hinduja Group Ltd., HKS Co. Ltd., Indian Oil Corp. Ltd., Lubrex FZC, Saudi Arabian Oil Co., Shell plc, TotalEnergies SE, and ZF Friedrichshafen AG |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, market growth inducers and obstacles, market forecast, fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, market condition analysis for the forecast period |
Customization purview |
If our market report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
We can help! Our analysts can customize this market research report to meet your requirements. Get in touch
1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation by Channel
7 Market Segmentation by Application
8 Customer Landscape
9 Geographic Landscape
10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends
11 Vendor Landscape
12 Vendor Analysis
13 Appendix
Get the report (PDF) sent to your email within minutes.
Get lifetime access to our
Technavio Insights
Quick Report Overview:
Cookie Policy
The Site uses cookies to record users' preferences in relation to the functionality of accessibility. We, our Affiliates, and our Vendors may store and access cookies on a device, and process personal data including unique identifiers sent by a device, to personalise content, tailor, and report on advertising and to analyse our traffic. By clicking “I’m fine with this”, you are allowing the use of these cookies. Please refer to the help guide of your browser for further information on cookies, including how to disable them. Review our Privacy & Cookie Notice.