In this experimental investigation, various plasma-sprayed zirconia contained coatings and a kind of alumina-zirconia coating were studied to gain a better understanding of their tribological behaviour under dry contact condition in a reciprocating motion at temperature of 200℃. Particular attention was made for finding appropriate coatings in cylinder liner/piston ring application with an emphasis on the antiwear property. In order to identify the wear mechanism, SEM(Scanning Electron Microscope), optical micrograph, and roughness tester were used. Alumina-zirconia and 8% yttria-zirconia were found to be most appropriate for the application to the cylinder liner/piston ring and, especially, alumina-zirconia exhibited highest wear-resistance and also showed good friction characteristics. Wear mechanisms of ceramic coatings identified.