Not exactly. A break is a device for slowing or stopping a vehicle or other moving mechanism by the absorption or transfer of the energy of momentum, usually by means of friction.
There are different types of brakes, both between vehicles and within a vehicle. The brakes used to stop a vehicle while driving are known as the service brakes, which are either a disc and drum brake.
Brake pads are the friction elements of a disc brake system. It's a flat piece of steel that uses pressure to force the disk into the car, so you would experience less friction. The pressure and friction applied to the brake rotor is what slows and stops the wheel.
You can make your brakes last a long time or you can wear them out quickly. Check out these 10 ways to make your brakes last longer shared by Edmunds.com.