Automotive Lubricants Market - Size, Share, Industry Trends, and Forecasts (2025-2032)

By Oil Type:

Based on the oil type, the market is classified into synthetic, semi-synthetic, and conventional.

Trends in the Oil Type:

• Growing trend towards adoption of low-viscosity synthetic oils to maximize fuel efficiency and meet the demands of high-performance engines.
• Semi-synthetic oils balance the performance benefits of synthetic oils with the affordability of conventional oils.

Conventional Oil accounted for the largest revenue share of 44.49% in 2024.

• Conventional oils remain fundamental for older vehicle models that were designed to operate with these types of lubricants, thus fuelling the market.
• Also, conventional oils are cheaper in comparison to synthetic oils, suitable for budget-conscious consumers and those maintaining older vehicles.
• Conventional oil formulations are being improved through advancements in additive technology, allowing for better performance and extended drain intervals, thus boosting the automotive lubricants market.
• Thus, as per the analysis, the aforementioned factors are driving the market demand.

Synthetic Oil is predicted to register the fastest progress during the forecast period.

• Modern engines, especially turbocharged and high-performance engines, operate at higher temperatures and pressures. Synthetic oils are designed to withstand these extreme conditions, providing superior protection and performance.
• Governments worldwide are implementing stricter emission standards, compelling manufacturers to improve fuel efficiency. Synthetic oils contribute to better fuel economy by reducing friction and improving engine performance, accelerating the market.
• Synthetic oils offer longer oil drain intervals compared to conventional oils, reducing maintenance costs and downtime for vehicle owners.
• For instance, in January 2024, Valvoline Global released a new premium full synthetic motor oil called Restore & Protect, designed to significantly clean engines. The innovative product aims to eliminate up to 100% of harmful engine deposits with consistent use, effectively restoring engine performance to a like-new state and providing ongoing protection against future deposit buildup.
• In conclusion, as per the analysis, the above-mentioned factors are contributing notably in accelerating the automotive lubricants market trend.

By Product Type:

Based on the product type, the market is classified into engine oil, gear oil, transmission fluids, brake fluids, coolants, and greases.

Trends in Product Type:

• Increasing trend for advanced transmission fluids, such as dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs) and continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) to provide improved friction control and shift performance.
• Growing trend towards adopting low-viscosity brake fluids to improve response time and performance in advanced braking systems.

Engine Oil accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024.

• Modern engines require high-quality engine oils that meet stringent performance and emissions standards, driving the need for advanced formulations, including synthetic and semi-synthetic oils.
• Growing emphasis on engine oils that improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, driven by regulatory requirements.
• Further, the emergence of biosynthetic engine oils is also spurring the automotive lubricants market size.
• For instance, in September 2024, ROWE launched ROWE SUNSPEED, a fully synthetic engine oil. The innovative product is derived entirely from plant biomass, offering a sustainable alternative without sacrificing high performance and stability.
• Therefore, the aforementioned benefits are bolstering the automotive lubricants market trend.

Greases are predicted to register the fastest growth during the forecast period.

• Increasing complexity of modern vehicles raises the need for high-performance greases with enhanced properties like improved wear resistance, corrosion protection, and thermal stability.
• Polyurea-based greases are favoured for their excellent high-temperature performance, ideal for automotive applications.
• Stringent environmental regulations and a growing focus on sustainability are driving the need for synthetic and bio-based greases.
• For instance, in June 2023, IndianOil introduced SERVO Grease Miracle, a new premium automotive grease that presents a high-performance alternative to traditional lithium-based greases. This innovative product represents a significant advancement in the lubricant industry, offering enhanced reliability for automotive applications.
• In conclusion, as per the automotive lubricants market analysis, the above-mentioned factors are collectively responsible in driving the grease segment.

By Vehicle Type:

Based on the vehicle type, the market is classified into passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles.

Trends in the Vehicle Type:

• Growing trend towards adoption of greases that can withstand higher temperatures and pressures in passenger vehicles, with their complex systems.
• Commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, operate under heavy loads and demanding conditions, requiring greases that offer exceptional longevity.

Passenger Vehicles accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024 and is also predicted to register the fastest growth.

• Hybrid vehicles combine ICE and electric powertrains, requiring a blend of traditional and specialized lubricants, thus fuelling the automotive lubricants market share.
• Increasing popularity of SUVs requires heavy-duty lubricants due to their larger engines and increased load capacity.
• Synthetic lubricants offer superior performance and longer drain intervals, driving their adoption across all passenger vehicle types, thus boosting the market size.
• For instance, India's passenger vehicle market experienced increase in the fiscal year 2023-24, with total sales rising to 42.19 lakh units from 38.90 lakh units in the previous year. This increase was primarily driven by a significant surge in utility vehicle sales, which climbed from 20.04 lakh to 25.21 lakh units. Van sales also saw a marginal increase, moving from 1.39 lakh to 1.49 lakh units.
• Thus, as per the analysis, the aforementioned factors are driving the market share.