Automotive Brake Fluid Growth Analysis Report - Market Size, Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

The global automotive brake fluid market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.40% during the period 2025-2034.

The Global Automotive Brake Fluid Market Likely to be Driven by Applications in the Automotive Sector

Developing infrastructure, rising driving speeds, and constant advancements in the automotive industry are expected to drive the global market for automotive brake fluids. North America, Europe and Asia are likely to be key markets.

Brake fluid is a kind of hydraulic fluid employed in hydraulic clutch and brake applications in vehicles. The fluid transfers force into pressure, and amplifies braking force. Currently, brake fluids fall under one of the following specifications - DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5 and DOT 5.1. Under DOT specifications, two reference tests are laid down for brake fluids – dry boiling point (boiling point of fresh fluids) and wet boiling points (boiling point after the fluid has absorbed moisture, this signifies brake fluid after time expended in real conditions). Brake fluids are chiefly employed in braking and clutch systems of on-road and off-road vehicles. Applications include automobiles, motorcycles and light trucks.

DOT 3, 4 and 5.1 fluids are hygroscopic and glycol based; these fluids absorb atmospheric moisture. Glycol based brake fluids begin to absorb moisture soon after these are placed in the hydraulic brake system or shown to air. Moisture seeps in the fluid via microscopic pores in rubber hoses, past seals, and air exposure. The water entering the system is spread throughout the brake fluid instead of getting pooled in low spots (due to the difference in the weights of water and the brake fluid). Thus, the boiling point of the whole brake fluid is kept high as against the situation where accumulated pools of water in the system would boil sooner than the brake fluid.  DOT 3, 4 and 5.1 also differ in terms of boiling point. The higher the boiling point of a brake fluid, the more heat the fluid can tolerate. Among the three glycol-based brake fluids, DOT 5.1 has the highest boiling point and DOT 3 the lowest. The majority of brake fluids presently in use are glycol based and appropriate for high performance vehicles in which braking systems touch moderate brake temperatures. DOT 5 brake fluid is hydrophobic and silicone based, thus, it repels water. As the silicone fluid does not absorb atmospheric moisture while in use, it offers better service life and enhances corrosion resistance of the key elements of the braking system. While silicone-based DOT 5 was designed to offer higher temperature performance as compared to glycol DOT 4, it does not provide lubrication to ABS pumps comparable to glycol-based fluids.

Technologically Advanced Solutions Meeting Changing Industry Demands Expected to Drive the Market

With constant developments and technical advancements in the automobile industry, there is increased demand for high performance fluids for automotive applications. Leading companies are looking to offer modern solutions to meet industry demands and standards. For example, HYDRAULAN® brake fluids by BASF are designed to meet current and future needs of the industry while maintaining stringent safety requirements demanded by customers. The solution offers high thermal stability, superior corrosion protection for metals, better elastomer compatibility, very low viscosity at low temperatures, and superior lubrication.

In 2021, Valvoline announced the launch of XEV, the brand's first China-based release of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicle products. XEV refers to a set of hybrid and EV fluids, including brake fluids among motor oil, battery protection fluid and transmission fluid. In 2019, Valvoline announced a product line to serve electric vehicles, including Valvoline EV Brake Fluid; the formulations featured high wet and dry boiling points, noise elimination, brake fade reduction and low viscosity at low temperatures for modern Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS), Electronic Stability Programs (ESP) and Advance Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

In 2019, Brakes India launched DOT 4+ brake and clutch fluid for ABS-equipped vehicles, with features such as higher boiling point (above 255degree C), low viscosity (at -40degree C) and fulfilment of SAE J1704, FMVSS 116 and IS 8654 specifications. According to the company, the solution was developed through extensive in-house expertise and the fluids were tested to strict standards.

Global Automotive Brake Fluid Market Segmentation

The EMR’s report titled “Automotive Brake Fluid Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

By fluid type, the market is segmented into:

• Petroleum
• Non-petroleum

By product type, the market is classified into:

• DOT 3
• DOT 4
• DOT 5
• DOT 5.1

By application, the market is divided into:

• Light Commercial Vehicles
• Passenger Cars
• Others

By region, the market is segmented into:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Key Industry Players in the Global Automotive Brake Fluid Market

The report presents a detailed analysis of the following key players in the market, looking into their capacity, and latest developments like capacity expansions, plant turnarounds, and mergers and acquisitions:

• BASF SE
• Chevron Corporation
• The Dow Chemical Company
• Exxon Mobil Corporation
• Valvoline Inc.
• Others

The EMR report gives an in-depth insight into the industry by providing a SWOT analysis as well as an analysis of Porter’s Five Forces model.
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