<p>Friction-induced mechanical wear is a primary factor resulting in the degradation of the durability of mechanical structures. Employing carbon dots (CDs) as lubricants has emerged as a promising and cost-effective solution to address these issues. However, a comprehensive and up-to-date review regarding recent advances of CDs in the nano-lubrication is still lacking. Therefore, a thorough analysis of current research on the application of CDs in nano-lubrication is necessary. This review aims to provide an extensive overview of the application of CDs as lubricants, focusing on their roles as nano-additives, lubricant coatings, and bio-lubricants. Additionally, the key lubrication mechanisms associated with CDs are systematically presented. Lastly, the future research directions in the field of CDs for lubrication are explored. This review is expected to enhance the understanding of the lubricating properties of CDs, contributing to the advancement and commercialization of CDs as efficient, sustainable lubricants.</p>