Automotive brakes rely on brake fluid applying pressure on 2 friction surfaces when we mash the brake pedal. The first surface is a soft “pad or shoe” material that is worn a little each time we stop and the second a much harder metal “rotor or drum” material that is worn less. When the softer material wears it creates dust that gets on the outside of the wheel. That is normal. It is also normal for modern brakes to make some amount of light squeal noise at times, mostly when we are mashing the pedal lightly or a slight grinding noise when the vehicle is first driven after sitting for a while. Since brakes wear each and every time we stop they do wear out. How long they will last depends on the design of the softer pad material and how much we stop. Most brake pads have a warning device that when worn thin will make a high pitched squeal noise while driving that tends to go away when we mash the brake pedal. If you hear this noise or a grinding when stopping, the brakes need to be checked for pad wear. Some other symptoms of faulty brakes are a pulsation or shaking when stopping. This is usually due to an uneven rotor or drum surface. An unusual soft feeling in the brake pedal or a red brake warning light is usually a problem with the fluid pressure system. Since it is impossible to predict brake pad or shoe life for each driver we inspect and report, brake pad wear each time we rotate the tires. We will recommend a brake job when the pad or shoe thickness has gotten below about 2 millimeters. We will also advise you of anything else we see with the hydraulic system.