I'm annoyed I had to spend my paycheck on new brake pads because of all the driving I've been doing.
Is somebody forcing you to drive a lot?
No, but I've been very busy lately and have had to drive all over.
Keeping on top of vehicle maintenance is part of being a responsible adult. If your car does not brake properly, you risk damaging other people and their property. Rather than considering new brake pads as a needless waste, think of them as necessary items for ensuring the safety of you and others.
I don't think I should have to pay for this.
I get that it can be frustrating, but think of how much worse it would be if your brakes failed while you were on the road. Maintaining your car is a small frustration compared to the larger frustration of serious automotive bills.