Mazda Repair: Mazda Tribute brakes, mazda tribute, veicle

Question
Hello Chris,
I have a 2001 Mazda Tribute.  Recently the brakes have been hissing when I take my foot off them.  What could this be.

Also the car has just hit 50,000 miles and the dealership tells me I need to replace the front brakes, pads and rotors.  In the past I could tell when my brakes were going (hear a grinding or experience trouble braking).   I haven't  had these problems.  Is 50,000 about the right miles for a full brake job.
How much should it cost?

Thank you,
I appreciate your help
Trish Hullen

Answer
Hi trish thanks for asking,
well with this brake situation, we have to warn the customer when the brakes are in the "danger zone" you should never never never keep driving a veicle untill the brakes start grinding , or you have trouble braking, that is very dangerouse not only to you but every one else as well, It also prevents damge from other components of the vehicle, when the pads are low around 2-4 mm then they should be replaced, if the brakes are looked after regualrly then it will not be as expensive to replace them when it comes time to change them, and im really suprised that you where able to get 50 000 miles out of the brakes, thats about 80 0000 km and most brakes ive done they have had to be changed at around 50-60 0000 km about 35-40 000 miles
good luck
Chris P