Thin amorphous films deposited on steel substrates by physical vapour deposition, chemical vapour deposition and sputtering with thicknesses between 2 and 4 μm have been analysed with respect to their thermal properties by non-destructive evaluation based on infrared detection of thermal waves. Samples with and without exposure to friction wear have been compared. The main results are that the friction effects can be characterized by their effects on the thermal properties, the thermal diffusivity and effusivity of the coating. It has been found that it is mainly the thermal conductivity of the coating that is affected by friction wear and the induced stresses.