Agreed - brakes are much hotter than one expects (ask me how I found out, but it seems likely in a similar way to you @Pugglt Auld Jock ) after you've been driving, and a binding brake will be comfortably hotter than the surface of the sun. (The latter may be a slight exaggeration, but I'd not be wanting to put my mitts anywhere near one...again)By all means touch the wheels near the centre where they bolt to the hub and compare with the others - fronts will usually be hotter than rears. If a brake is binding significantly you'll immediately feel the difference in heat. I'd be a little - or maybe a lot! - reluctant to touch the face of a brake rotor or even a drum as you might get badly burned. I note you do mention this but people need to be aware that they may very well be "super hot" so hot enough that even a brief touch will burn you. (depending on how the brakes have been used but can be very hot after even quite moderate braking) Guess how I know!