The automotive lubricants market size is projected to reach US$ 122.93 billion by 2031 from US$ 86.15 billion in 2024. The market is expected to register a CAGR of 5.4% during 2025-2031.

Automotive lubricants have gained significant attention in the global market due to the growing demand for high-performance lubricants in the automotive sector.

The global automotive lubricants market is primarily driven by the increasing vehicle production and ownership, especially in emerging economies where rising disposable incomes boost demand for personal and commercial vehicles. Advancements in lubricant technology aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions are critical drivers, spurred by stringent environmental regulations worldwide. The shift towards synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants, which offer superior performance and environmental benefits compared to mineral oils, also fuels the market. Growth in the aftermarket for vehicle maintenance and repair services adds to demand, along with the emergence of electric and hybrid vehicles that require specialized lubricant formulations. Additionally, innovation in biodegradable and eco-friendly lubricants reflects the industry's response to sustainability concerns. Expanding automotive manufacturing bases, particularly in Asia Pacific and North America, further support market growth. Increasing urbanization and regulatory pressure for cleaner mobility contribute to innovation and the adoption of advanced lubricants worldwide.

Advances in engine design-such as turbocharging, direct injection, and low-viscosity formulations-coupled with superior lubricant technologies, have pushed recommended intervals from 5,000-7,500 miles for conventional oils to 10,000-15,000 miles for synthetics, and up to 25,000-40,000 miles in heavy-duty diesel applications, including Class 8 trucks. Independent testing underscores synthetics' dominance. The American Automobile Association's 2017 study (validated in subsequent analyses through 2024) found synthetic oils outperforming conventional by an average 47% across American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) metrics, including shear stability, oxidation resistance, volatility, and deposit control-enabling 2-3x longer service life without compromising protection. For a Class 8 truck averaging 100,000-120,000 miles annually, conventional intervals demand 4-8 changes yearly at US$ 300-500 each (including labor, filters, disposal, and downtime). Synthetic-enabled programs extend to 50,000-60,000 miles, slashing changes to 2 per year and yielding 50-75% maintenance savings.

Real-world case studies amplify these benefits. According to COMPRESSOR Tech magazine, in a 10,000-hour compressor trial, PAO-based synthetics consumed 66 gallons versus 555 gallons for mineral oil-an 88% reduction-due to superior volatility control and carryover resistance (3 ppm vs. 24 ppm). Broader fleet audits report 1-8% energy savings from friction reduction, translating to US$ 200-500 annual per-vehicle fuel efficiencies. Synthetics' oxidative stability, thermal resilience, and low sludge formation support these extensions, reducing friction in harsh conditions like towing or extreme climates.

Some of the key players operating in the automotive lubricants market include China Petroleum & Chemical Corp (Sinopec), Exxon Mobil Corp, BP Plc, Shell plc, Chevron Corp, TotalEnergies SE, Valvoline Inc, Gulf Oil International, Idemitsu Kosan Co Ltd, and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). Players operating in the automotive lubricants market focus on providing innovative products at affordable prices to fulfill customer demand.

Primary and secondary sources have derived the overall automotive lubricants market size. To begin the research process, exhaustive secondary research has been conducted using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the market. Also, multiple primary interviews have been conducted with industry participants to validate the data and gain more analytical insights into the topic. The participants of this process include industry experts such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers-along with external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders-specializing in the automotive lubricants market.