the brake pads are probably worn - there are wear indicators in the pads made of solid metal that scrape on the brake rotors when they are spinning. When you squeeze the pads by applying the brakes, the main part of the pads make contact and muffle the sound. pads are cheap for most vehicles and easy to replace.
The drive belt may be slipping or going bad.
If you apply the brakes and it stops, it's time for new brake pads, its a warning mechanism to let you know your brake pads are getting low kind of like a curb feeler but reversed.
have your brakes checked
It may be the fan belt.
Why engine stalls on 1993 Chrysler Intrepid while driving and sometimes at stops?
i have a 93 nissan and the front brakes are getting hot when driving
Check your brakes and CV joints
You should have your brakes cleaned! Or have a mechanic look to make sure nothing is wrong. My neon does this and after driving a while it stops. Sometimes rust,dust and dirt particals get on the drums !!
That depends on how the brakes are used. If you ride the brakes, do a lot of stop and go driving, fast driving with quick stops... they'll wear out a lot faster. Also, if your calipers are binding your disk brakes can wear out faster. On the other hand, if you're a "mild" driver and you keep your vehicle in good condition, disk brakes can last quite a while.
Yes, that will work.
check tension on fan belt(s)
If the ABS and brake light are coming on while driving, this is an indicator that it is time to get your brakes checked and replaced. If not, the brakes will wear out causing you to not be able to stop.