A steam engine is a heat engine that performs mechanical work using steam as its working fluid. The steam engine uses the force produced by steam pressure to push a piston back and forth inside a cylinder. This pushing force can be transformed, by a connecting rod and flywheel, into rotational force for work.

What does steam driven mean?

Definition of "steam-driven" []

Driven directly by the pressure of steam, either at boiler-pressure or while expanding, or by the impact of a jet of steam. Propelled by a steam-engine: as, a steam-driven motor-car.

How does a steam car work?

Steam cars unitize an external combustion (Rankine cycle) engine where the fuel source is consumed external to the engine. A steam boiler generates vast quantities of power for later use on demand unlike the internal combustion (Otto cycle) engine that must develop the needed power on demand.