General Background Sliding bearings in internal combustion engines endure high loads and harsh operational environments under traditionally relied upon hydrodynamic lubrication systems. Specific Background Modern engines require improved efficiency and reduced emissions, driving the transition toward mixed lubrication regimes that pose significant durability and wear challenges. Knowledge Gap Evaluating sliding bearing performance under severe operating conditions requires an integrated methodology combining practical experiments and theoretical simulations using hydroelastic models that account for contact surface deformations. Aims This research aims to present an integrated methodology combining practical experiments and theoretical simulations to evaluate sliding bearing performance under demanding engine operating conditions. Results The results indicate a complex interaction between temperature, film thickness, and load-bearing capacity, demonstrating that friction coefficients depend significantly on applied axial pressure and temperature variations. Novelty This study integrates elastohydrodynamic lubrication modeling with experimental validation to assess mixed lubrication transitions, lubricant rheology under high pressure, and iterative surface wear profiles. Implications These findings provide critical insights for developing innovative adaptive lubricating oils and advanced bearing designs to enhance durability and efficiency in internal combustion engines. Key Findings Highlights The friction coefficient increases significantly with higher loads, reflecting a transition into a mixed lubrication system. High pressure significantly increases lubricant viscosity via compressive viscosity effects, whereas high shear rates induce viscosity thinning. Iterative wear simulations using Archard's equation show that initial edge loading wear reaches a depth of 3.6 micrometers and stabilizes contact pressure over time. Keywords Sliding Bearing, Mixed Lubrication, Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication, Internal Combustion Engine, Lubricant Rheology