Valve guides produced using powder metal processes are enjoying more widespread application in passenger car and commercial vehicle applications on account of their unique tribological properties. The powder metal materials developed by MAHLE are far superior to the cast materials used until now. Small amounts of lubricant oil are, for example, stored in the sintered pores of valve guides, which significantly improve the wear resistance and emergency running characteristics. Materials optimized to the specific application can be selected from the broad range of materials, taking into account aspects such as wear characteristics, machinability, and tribological compatibility with the contact surfaces.