The carbon interlayers in the multilayer coatings can improve the load-bearing capacity and oxidation resistance, promote the layer-by-layer wear mechanism, and extend the lifespan of the multilayer coating, which is crucial to improving their tribological properties. To investigate the role of C interlayers in the competitive relationship between tribochemistry and material removal in multilayer coatings, this study comprehensively examines the tribological behavior of single layer MoS₂ and multilayer MoS₂/C coatings through in-situ tribotests and nanoscratch tests. Key findings reveal that the C interlayers enhance the tribological behavior by reducing the oxidation rate of MoS₂, improving the load distribution, and delaying the onset of coating failure. Specifically, the single layer MoS₂ coating demonstrated a lifespan of 55,000 cycles, whereas the multilayer MoS₂/C coating achieved 80,000 cycles, reflecting a 45 % enhancement. The critical load increased from 8 mN to 18 mN, indicating a 125 % improvement in removal resistance. The presence of C layers results in a more stable and enduring tribofilm, which leads to reduced friction and wear. This study underscores the importance of in-situ analysis by combining nanoscratch with Raman mapping to elucidate the complex tribological behavior of coatings. These insights are crucial for designing efficient, wear-resistant, low-friction multilayer coatings for diverse industrial applications.