What would the effect be if the tailpipe of the engine became blocked?

When the tailpipe of an engine becomes blocked, the exhaust gases produced during combustion cannot exit the system effectively. This leads to a buildup of pressure in the engine's exhaust system. As a result, the engine struggles to expel exhaust gases, which hinders its ability to draw in fresh air and fuel for combustion. This lack of exhaust flow greatly reduces engine efficiency, resulting in a noticeable loss of power.

Driving with a blocked tailpipe can lead to more severe issues as well, including potential engine damage due to increased back pressure. In contrast, a smooth-running engine requires unobstructed exhaust flow to operate optimally. Therefore, while power loss is a direct consequence of a blockage, other effects, such as increased fuel consumption, could also occur due to the engine attempting to compensate for reduced efficiency.