When you witness a car zip past smoothly with no weird noises, little do you realise that it is the lubricants that play a major role. They have always been there, supporting the smooth functioning of vehicles and machines.
However, as every industry advances with technology, these miraculous fluids are transforming too. The oils of tomorrow won’t be anything like what we have used and loved over the years. As people embrace new technologies like electric vehicles and cleaner fuel engines, the future of automotive lubricants is heading in a new direction.
Let’s observe the latest trends and the transitions that we are likely to encounter.
Conventional Automotive Lubricants And Their Challenges
Conventional lubricants have been the heart of the automotive industry for a long time. They are typically made up of mineral-based oils and crude oils. They reduce friction and enhance the engine’s performance.
Despite the fact that conventional lubricants have long been the preferred choice across many industries, they have certain disadvantages:
- Lower temperature stability and the formation of sludge and deposits
- Shorter service life and more frequent oil changes
- Increased maintenance costs
- Greater environmental waste as they are petroleum-based and thus have slower biodegradability
- Limited adaptability to modern engines
Thus, industries are moving towards advanced lubrication technology.
The Innovations and Trends in Lubricant Industry
Over the years, the evolution of lubricant industry has brought forward efficient options. Here we’ll discuss the trending innovations available today and those that are likely to be the future:
Lubricants Catering to the EV Market
As the automotive industry shifts towards electrification, several new offerings support this transition.
Transmission oils are formulated to meet the unique demands of EV drivetrains. They ensure optimal performance and protection. In addition, coolant lubricants have emerged as trendy solution as they help manage the thermal demands of electric motors and battery systems. These oil-like substances transfer the heat away from the engine to the radiator, which then transfers it into the air. In fact, innovative coolant lubricants offer corrosion protection to all metal parts in diesel, petrol, or CNG engines. Divyol Coolmax (1:3) and Coolmax Pure are great examples of such lubricants.
Nanotechnology
Research indicates that adding nanoparticles to automotive lubricants can reduce the coefficient of friction, thereby resulting in improved engine performance.
The nanoparticles create an insulating layer around engine components. This layer minimises the chances of wear. What sets nanoparticles apart is their ultra-small size and large surface area. It allows them to penetrate microscopic surface irregularities and form protective tribofilms. Moreover, this advanced technology extends engine life as it enhances the lubricant’s ability to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures.
Biodegradable Lubricants
Biodegradable lubricants, or what we might call “eco-friendly lubricants,” are the best of options to pick today and tomorrow if you wish to keep your cars and other machinery running smoothly without messing up with nature. Unlike conventional petroleum-based oils, they are primarily made from plant-based oils, such as canola, soybean, or sunflower or synthetic esters. These esters are derived from an organic or inorganic acid that reacts with alcohol.
A biolubricant breaks down easily in the environment without putting human health or environmental safety at major risk. The agricultural, marine, and construction sectors have majorly switched to using biodegradable lubricants to manage leaks and spills.
According to GrandViewResearch, by 2030, the world will be spending around $5 billion on these green options. That’s a huge jump from the $2.95 billion we were at in 2024. Therefore, it is not without reason when researchers claim that the future of lubricant industry is likely to be powered by biodegradable lubricants because these oils offer reduced pollution risks.
Conclusion
The automotive industry is evolving, and lubricants are not behind. With ongoing progress in technologies like nanotech, automotive lubricants will become more efficient and better at protecting engines. As industries switch to sustainable practices, eco-friendly and biodegradable options are likely to take over.
Are you ready for a future filled with innovative options that enhance vehicle performance and contribute to a safer, greener environment? Explore our range of next-gen automotive lubricants.