Q: PT Cruiser, replaced radiator and thermostat, dashboard gauge reads normal but car is running hot and having to add coolant daily

Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle is reading normal temperatures because the fluid temperature sensor needs to be in the fluid to give an accurate reading. The second there is a leak and the fluid level drops, that sensor is reading air, and the gauge is giving a bad reading. Coolant leaks can be internal or external. For that reason, you must not rule out the option that your vehicle is consuming the coolant. This most commonly happens when you have a bad head gasket. In this case you will usually find white smoke (steam) coming from your exhaust. The leak must be at least partly external, because of the puddle you are finding. The only way to resolve the issues is to find and fix that leak. A dye test may be your best bet, which you can do at home with the right tools, or by a technician. For more help with finding and fixing the leak, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.