The work is aimed to the comparison of tribological performance of lubricated surfaces sliding against each other in laboratory (model test) and real component working conditions. An emphasis is also made on the possibility to use environmental friendly lubricants. The efficiency of using some particular test devices is considered on the basis of available techniques and methods to study lubricated contacts. The implementation of different scales of measurements into the process of materials performance evaluation under tribological conditions is shown to be essential for the reliable assessment of multi-body systems reliability and durability.