If the leads are hot it means you have a poor/loose/dirty connection somewhere-earth lead is a favorite,also don't keep the key turned on start for to long(10 or 15 seconds max)and allow it to rest for about the same time before trying again,keeping the key on wrecks the battery as it gets hot pulling masses of power out via the starter.In the winter the battery is cold and doesn't work to it's best anyway,nurse it a bit.
Rich
February 2008