Car trouble

[Azy]

So last week I noticed that sometimes when I pressed the gas peddle it would feel like the engine wasn't getting gas for like 20 seconds.  It never stalled out, but I would feel the lack of power and forward motion.  My gas tank was a little low, so I hoped getting some gas into it when I got the money would fix the issue, but it did not.  It's getting worse.  For the most part it seems fine while my foot remains on the gas peddle.  But if I have to brake for some reason, or I'm in traffic and have to let off for a minute to maintain speed, when I press back down on the peddle it feels like the car is pulling back a little and not wanting to go.  The accelerator is not making the car accelerate for several seconds is the best way I can describe it. 

I had a similar issue summer before last that turned out to be the fuel pump sensor.  That was much worse though.  I'd start it up and move in slow jerky movements, and then if I stopped the car would stall out.  It would start right back up and be fine for the rest of that trip.  I'm really hoping that this is not more fuel pump issues, and a bottle of fuel injector cleaner might be the fix.  A gunked up fuel injector I can handle. 

[Nowherewoman]

How old is the car?  I had a similar experience a long time ago with an old Toyota.  It turned out the inside of the fuel tank had rusted, and the residue was clogging the fuel filter. It was fine at low speeds, but attempts to accelerate increased the flow and sucked more gunk against the inside of the filter, starving the engine.

[Azy]

It's a 2010, so on the older side.  It's fine on the highway.  It was fine today when I ran into town for dog food and a haircut, except when I backed out onto the road, then shifted to drive and stepped on the gas.  There was a moment's hesitation before I started to move.  I talked to my mom and she said try fuel injector cleaner before I panic.  If that doesn't work I might need to call a mechanic.   

[Nowherewoman]

Sounds like a good place to start, for sure.