Automotive Brake Fluid Market Report

Brake failure in vehicles can result in significant losses and death due to causes such as overheating, pad degradation, and vapor lock linked to brake fluids. Moisture absorption in brake fluid can lead to vapor formation at high temperatures. Nanofluids offer a solution to vapor lock with a combined method of using an arc-submerged nanoparticle system. A Cu-based nanofluid was prepared using DOT3 brake fluid, and an aluminium-oxide brake nanofluid was synthesized using a homemade plasma charging system. These nanofluids surpass the boiling point, have superior properties such as higher viscosity and conductivity, and prevent thermal degradation. High boiling points and good thermal conductivity prevent boiling and heat dissipation issues in the brake system.

Automotive brake fluids play a crucial role in the hydraulic drive system, requiring high operating temperatures, specific viscosity profiles, stability, and metal protection properties. Also, automotive brake fluid systems are increasingly incorporating smart technologies like IoT sensors and smart actuators for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. These advancements improve safety by early issue detection and optimize fluid usage. Smart sensors measure critical parameters, with data analytics and machine learning enhancing fluid formulations and vehicle designs. Integration with onboard diagnostics and telematics systems allows for comprehensive diagnostics and remote monitoring.

Brake fluid leaks decrease hydraulic pressure, increase pedal travel, and weaken braking power, risking brake failure. Corrosion and wear may occur, requiring expensive repairs. Leakage harms the environment and demands frequent fluid refills, increasing maintenance expenses. Routine checks and prompt fixes are crucial for safety, cost-efficiency, and component preservation. Braking vibrations and anti-braking system malfunctions can harm brake fluid through increased tension and heat, reducing hydraulic performance. This leads to wear on brake components, causing fluid leakage and decreased efficiency. Contaminants can enter the system, impairing performance and causing damage.

Temperature fluctuations may lower the boiling point, leading to vaporization, and compromising braking efficiency and vehicle safety, especially in emergencies. Overheating brakes can harm brake fluid by lowering its boiling point and causing vaporization, leading to air bubbles in brake lines and a spongy brake pedal. High temperatures also cause brake fade, reducing the fluid's ability to transfer hydraulic pressure effectively and accelerating fluid degradation, causing internal corrosion and damage to brake components. Additionally, overheating increases the risk of vapor lock, diminishing braking effectiveness and increasing the likelihood of brake failure.

In August 2024, PAGID Racing launched the Street+ brake fluid, enhancing its street-legal product line with a DOT 5.1 specification designed for both high-performance laps and everyday driving. Backed by over 30 years of motorsport experience, this new product promised to elevate performance for drivers seeking top-tier braking reliability. In June 2023, Gulf Lubricants announced a new range of electric and hybrid powertrain brake fluids and coolants, eLEC, offering tailored products to vehicles with electrified powertrains, as the uptake of fully electric and hybrid vehicles increased. The eLEC polyglycol-based brake fluid was released to ensure optimal braking performance in electric vehicles (EVs). The fluid was developed with the requirements of a modern EV and hybrid braking system in mind, such as a high boiling point and high corrosion protection, for optimal performance alongside a regenerative braking system.

In February 2022, in an ongoing effort to expand its current product offering for the North American aftermarket, ADVICS – the leader in advanced braking technology and member of the AISIN Group of companies – launched a line of ultra-premium brake fluids. The launch included both DOT 3 and DOT 4 LV formulations for disc, drum, and ABS systems. Both formulations were ultra-premium synthetic and were manufactured in the U.S. Both formulations’ wet and dry boiling points (DOT 3 wet 307 degrees Fahrenheit, dry 500 degrees Fahrenheit; DOT 4 LV wet 355 degrees Fahrenheit, dry 510 degrees Fahrenheit) exceeded industry boiling point benchmarks as well as competitive benchmarks. 

North America can also be considered a lucrative market due to the rising number of car sales. As per the data of the Transportation Statistics Annual Report the sale approximately above 275 million vehicles are present in the United States. Thus, the rising automotive sales in the United States it show promising opportunities for the automotive brake fluid industry. Asia Pacific can be considered a lucrative market due to the rising production of cars and commercial vehicles. Various countries of Asia Pacific are becoming major automotive hubs, driven by both local consumption and export opportunities.

According to the report of the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, out of the top five global vehicle manufacturers, four are Asia Pacific countries. As per the data in 2023, China tops the list of global production of cars and commercial vehicles and has combined produced 30 billion units, followed by Japan, which holds the third rank and annually produces 8.9 billion units. India held the fourth rank and produced a total of 5.8 billion units, while South Korea secured the fifth rank and produced 4.2 billion units.