Short Answer: Yes

Longer Answer: Yes, but maybe not for the reasons you are thinking of. Rim wear is mainly caused by dirt and grime that gets caught between the brakes and the rim, rubbing it like sand paper. The most important thing to do is clean your rims and pads as often as possible. For that matter clean your drive train as well.

As far as different materials go, it is a lot easier to bend back steel than aluminium or carbon. So if you do have a steel rim you are better off if something goes wrong. There is a tool called a dental caliper (pictured below) that can help you find out if your rim is worn down.

[Here][1] is an interesting story and some good info on bent rims.

![Dental Claiper][2]


  [1]: http://bike-works.blogspot.com/2009/01/bike-rims-wear-out.html
  [2]: https://i.sstatic.net/oecfa.jpg