Design/methodology/approach Friction and wear experiments were conducted under oil-lubricated conditions to monitor the scuffing behavior. The surface morphology and tribological parameters before and after scuffing were compared. Based on the scuffing criterion, linear velocity and load were selected as key variables. The PV value curves were obtained to determine the critical scuffing point. A surface texture was then applied to improve tribological performance. Findings The results revealed that scuffing occurred more easily with increasing velocity and load. The PV value effectively indicated the critical point of scuffing. Surface texturing improved lubrication and wear resistance, delaying scuffing under severe conditions. Practical implications The research in this paper can evaluate the performance of materials under friction and wear conditions, determine the critical point at which scuffing occurs and be applied in engineering to optimize process conditions and predict the failure behavior of materials. Originality/value The originality of this paper proposes a textured surface design to reduce scuffing risk. The texture enhanced lubrication and load capacity, providing a practical approach to improve material durability in mechanical systems. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-11-2024-0426/