Check engine light, a quick primer
Brake wear and tear is a sign that your brakes are doing their job well. If your brakes were supposed to last as long as your car, they would lose their effectiveness before the rest of your car wears out. Brakes press against your wheel, which causes the wheel to make the necessary friction with the road. An incorrectly functioning brake system could damage the wheel, which of course has a negative effect on your cars driveability. So, brake repair is not the end of the world.