How does a diesel engine work?

Unlike a petrol engine, an air – fuel mixture is not used in a diesel engine, but instead pure air is sucked in a cylinder. The air is compressed so strongly in the cylinder that it gets heated up to 700-900°C. The diesel fuel is then sprayed finely in this hot air and immediately gets ignited because of the high temperature. The expansion of combustion gases pushes a piston downwards. This force is transferred to the wheels of the car via shafts. The gases released in the combustion are discharged via the exhaust.