[jonlong724]

Hey all, I have a new outback with roughly 1500 miles on it. I've noticed lately, in this sub 20 degree weather, that the outback struggles a little bit to start in the morning. Anyone else having a similar issue? It always gets started, but it cranks noticeably more slowly than when the weather is a little warmer. I know this is normal behavior for a cold start, but I'm surprised at how significant it is on a brand new car.

Is my battery excessively weak, or are the stock batteries underpowered when it comes to cold cranking amps?

 

[jonlong724]

I wondered if the factory break in oil has anything to do with it. By the time I'm ready for my first oil change, the weather will be warmer and the battery will be totally fine. If the battery feels weak next winter, though, I'll swap it out for something better.

 

[jonlong724]

If it helps, I test drove 3 different 2013 outbacks Wednesday in the cold before picking one and each one seemed slow to start to me compared to other rigs I've driven, around 2 seconds of cranking before it caught. A new Forester was the same way.

Once the OEM battery dies I will be stuffing in the biggest battery possible.

That's good to know. Just wanted to make sure it's nothing wrong with mine in particular. I had an Optima red top in my last car for about 8 years and it never let me down. I'll be putting in a quality battery once the stock one feels unreliable.