The cold both makes the engine oil thicker, so the engine is harder to turn over, AND it reduces the current capacity of the battery. Combine those 2 things, and it's hard to start.
Fix is to get a new battery, that has it's full capacity, and then you should be fine for a few more years.
Do your maintenance or have it done, if it is not found in the simple cold weather service it will persist and tests can be run on the starting circuit and components. The engine oil can be checked and or replaced at that time.
A weak battery may have failed during the hot weather and now it's caught up to you.
A dragging starter can be found during the cranking test as part of the volt drops and battery load test.
See a tech if you dont have the tools. or diagnostic equipment. you can learn the specs and your readings and discuss the recent habits of the car.
Get your antifreeze replaced and some protected washer fluid in the reservoir.
Hoses inspected, clamps tightened, general visual check and compare to previous records and the correct maintenance schedule for your area and vehicle type of usage.
I agree with lanab, sounds like your battery is giving notice. Cold weather always finds out a tiring battery. It may struggle on for a while but soon it will die completely. A new battery is a good investment.
bad battery
This is the first week of colder nights we've had, now all of a sudden my car doesn't start up right away like it used to. When I turn the key it's slow to start up, but it still does. Could this just be a slowly dying battery?
