How do engines work?

Engines are like the heart of a car and they make it go. They turn the fuel you put in the car into energy. It starts with the fuel (like gas) being put into the engine. Then it is mixed with air and compressed into a small area. A spark from the spark plug then ignites the air and fuel mixture and it explodes, like a tiny fire. This explosion creates a force that pushes a piston. The piston is connected to a crankshaft, which helps turn the wheels of the car. An example of this is when you blow up a balloon. As you blow air into the balloon, it gets bigger and bigger. The same thing happens in an engine, except instead of air, it’s fuel and air that is compressed together. Fun Fact: NASCAR race cars can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds!