ToF-SIMS has been used to analyse tribological induced chemical changes of organic coatings deposited on steel strip hot-dip coated with a 55.0% Al–43.4% Zn–1.6% Si alloy (Aluzink). The organic coating was a styrene–acrylic co-polymer containing different forming additives. The forming properties of the organic coatings were evaluated with modified scratch testing. The friction curves show that organic coated hot-dip coated steel displays significantly better tribological properties, i.e. lower coefficient of friction and lower wear, as compared to hot-dip coated steel. Furthermore, the organic coatings showing the highest material transfer tendency also show the highest wear. ToF-SIMS spectra show that a transfer film consisting of species from the organic coating is formed on the ball counter surface. Finally, a combination of SEM and ToF-SIMS analysis shows that mechanical failure of the coating dominates, i.e. no tribochemical changes of the coatings could be detected in the wear track.