could be break or something else?"

[buddyatnj]

I have toyota corrola 2001. Couple of time at stop light , i tried to stop from speed of 40 mph. and it skidded. Could this be because of bad breaks or bad tyre or something else?
I do not have ABS. I have noticed that when I am driving sometimes I smell something burning for small duration. This smell comes irrespective of heater intensity. I do not see any sign on dashboard. Engine Temp. stays normal.I am a new drive and your intellectual advices regarding skidding of car at stop light will be greatly appreciated .
thanks
buddyatnj

[falnfenix]

it skidded? have you checked the tires lately? if you're skidding, that's usually bad tires.

[buddyatnj]

I mean it dragged on for a feet or so. It did not stop and remained stopped but tyres were rubbing with road . This happens only when I apply sudden break for example signal light turned amber at cross road and I apply sudden break to stop. If i apply break gradually it stops without trouble even at 65mph.

[punter]

Yes the wheels will lock when you jam the brakes on.

That's normal,

don't jam the brakes on unless you have to.

[falnfenix]

ayup...you locked the brakes. be gentle on them and they'll last you a lot longer than they will with your current driving habits.

[DoubleEdgedWomb]

As will your tires.

[gekishibu86]

How about you need winter tires?

[REN69]

true, was there snow on the ground?

[gekishibu86]

Originally Posted by REN69

true, was there snow on the ground?

Winter in New Jersey!

[chocowallet]

I live in Jersey. We didn't have any snowfall this season. I also drive an 01 Rolla, but my tires don't skid unless I'm avoiding some of the nation's worst drivers.

[buddyatnj]

Thanks for your prompt replies.
To the best of my knowledge, there wan't any snow on the road. I swapped front tires with back tires about a month agao. But i do suspect on tires. How do i make sure that it's time for me to replace tires.By Visual inspection I don't see any wrong with them (absence of cracks or noticable erosion). What is difference between winter tires and normal ones ?

and any suggestion about the burning ( oil ??) smell coming for small duration irrespective of heater intensity ? Is it normal for corolla ?

buddyatnj

[Flashmn]

What is difference between winter tires and normal ones ?

Alot.
Tread design, rubber hardness, and some cases studs.

Summer tires are absolutely horrible in any winter condition, they're way too hard, and the tread pattern sucks.