2
Disagreeably Inclined
San Francisco's Lombard Street at dusk is beautiful (and crooked and steep). It could also be rather problematic for cars with less than optimal power. iStockphoto/Thinkstock
Does your vehicle cut out or struggle up an incline? Such behavior often signifies a clogged fuel filter. As the filter eliminates gunk from your fuel, it grows gradually dirty, and the fuel pump must work harder to shove fuel through it. In high-demand circumstances, such as driving up a hill or putting the hammer down, it might not be able to deliver enough gas to get the job done. Get your car checked out with a fuel pressure test or digital scope [sources: AGCO; Big O].
Don't just replace the filter -- take a closer look at what's blocking it up, just in case the clog is a symptom of another issue, such as fuel contamination or a buildup of rust in the tank [source: AGCO].
