A method for improving wear control, while maintaining or improving solubility and fuel efficiency, in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil. The formulated oil has a composition including a lubricating oil base stock as a major component; and at least one metal salt of a carboxylic acid, as a minor component; wherein the metal salt of the carboxylic acid contains no sulfur or phosphorus; wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), gold (Au), zinc (Zn), and mixtures thereof; wherein the carboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of an aliphatic carboxylic acid, a cycloaliphatic carboxylic acid, an aromatic carboxylic acid, and mixtures thereof; wherein the molar ratio of (zinc+palladium+silver+gold)/phosphorus of said formulated oil is greater than 1.0. The lubricating oils are useful in internal combustion engines.