I was driving along and i could smell a strange smell. It smelled like freshly laid tarmac or the way an industrial area smells. A few miles later the car felt like it was being restricted as i drove, as if the brakes were always on ever so slightly. A minute later as i turned a corner the front drivers side plastic wheel trim came rolling from the wheel and down the street. I picked it up and saw that it has melted where it met the wheel. So i checked the wheel and i could smell the same smell as id done earlier. I tried touching the wheel and it was red hot. Too hot to touch.

I checked the other wheels and they were cool. But, this wheel....

Im guessing something has jammed stuck and overheated. Have i wrecked anything else since it got so hot?

Ill get it checked but wanted an idea as to what has happened.

 

Sounds like your brake may be sticking. After it cools down, pull the wheel off and have a look at it.

 

I think this issue and the others begin to explain why you only paid US $200 for the car......

 

Same thing happened on the front passenger side of mine not too long ago. Brake seized and overheated. Melted the hubcap too. Have a shop replace the caliper, brake hose, rotor, and pads. Replace pads on the other side too and maybe rotor if it needs it. Have them inspect for any other damage.

My guess is a worn hose that turned into a one-way valve.