Here's why:

* Engine Power: The engine provides the power to turn the wheels.

* Wheels and Road: The wheels, when rotating, create friction against the road surface.

* Forward Motion: This friction, specifically static friction (the force that prevents slipping between two surfaces at rest), acts as a push against the road, propelling the car forward.

It's important to understand that the engine itself doesn't directly push the car. It converts fuel into energy, which is used to turn the wheels. The wheels, in turn, create the friction that actually moves the car.

Think of it this way: Imagine trying to walk on a perfectly smooth, frictionless surface. You wouldn't be able to move, as your feet would simply slide without any resistance. Similarly, a car without friction between its wheels and the road would just spin its wheels without moving forward.