Bearings are central functional components in almost all machines and systems. However, their service life depends not only on design and lubrication, but significantly on an often underestimated factor: the right material pairing. Friction, wear, and corrosion are among the most common causes of bearing failure, with significant consequences for efficiency, maintenance, and operational safety. Understanding their causes and already counteracting these in a purposeful way in the material selection can extend service life, reduce energy losses, and increase the reliability of entire systems. In this article, we show how basic tribological principles, suitable metal pairings, and purposeful protective measures work together – and why the choice of materials in bearing technology is far more than merely a strength decision.