When it is below 50F outside, I have a hard time starting my car. When i first turn the key, i get a buzzing/grinding noise as if the starter and flywheel are doing something strange. I then turn the key a second time after waiting 2-3 seconds and usually the car starts fine.

This has been going on for the past 2 winters and today it happened to me again. I'm afraid that i'm damaging the teeth on the flywheel, however, the problem hasn't gotten worse over time.

Does anyone have any idea what this could be? Thanks.

 

How recent is your battery? Have your car battery load tested, and check output at alternator. If all checks out, it sounds like your start is going bad.

 

My battery is 2 months old, I'll try to see if i can check the output at the alternator myself.

As far as the starter going bad.. can it really be going bad for 3 years, and only during the winter?

 

Anything can fail at anytime. Has the starter ever been replaced? The problems you describe are indiciative of a starter or solenoid issue. I might be wrong but I would start at the starter itself first. If it's grinding then you know it's getting power, but the grinding is obviously not good. It may mean something on the starter is broken (in my experience).

 

I agree, it sounds like a starter issue. And yes, the grinding normally means that the teeth are taking a beating, which is a real bad thing.