WHAT KIND OF COOLANT SHOULD WE PUT IN A 2004 VW BEETLE. THE COOLANT IN IT NOW IS PINK. DOES IT MATTER?

More than likely the thermostat.

First of all, it's a VW, so it shouldn't have ANY "neon green stuff", it should have pink G12 coolant from VW. If the leak is getting worse, it's a hose failing, and splitting worse and worse under the cooling system pressure. find the leaking hose and replace it, but I'd recommend using a VW specific mechanic, so the "neon green stuff" doesn't make it back into your car, where it shouldn't be.

vw beetles do not have a temp gauge so instead when the car is cold the light is blue at normal temp no light when over heating or low coolant red light and it beeps, you need the right coolant for your vw it is pink in color and some napas have it (Not DEX Cool) and you probably have a coolant leak, usually a plastic flang at rear of cylinder head goes bad

VW have their own spec anti freeze/coolant, but any good quality upper market anti freeze can be used and some will even say that they are recommended by VW. Follow the directions on the container for mix and dilution.

On the bottom of the radiator, on the inner side, there is a plug called a petcock. It is black and has a little knob to turn. Then the coolant comes out of the little spout on the bottom of the petcock. You turn the knob counter-clockwise and it will let out the coolant.

Check your coolant level, when the coolant is forced by gravity to shift when the car is in motion and just low enough to trigger the level sensor inside the coolant reservoir. Top it off to the recommended level using only VW pink coolant, if it's not available, filtered tap water could be used as a temporary replacement.

There's a coolant tank under the hood in the back corner on the passenger side. Mine has a round black cap, and the coolant color in the somewhat clear plastic tank is pink, extended life antiofreeze. VW offers their own coolant for their vehicles, it may be the same as the common extended like coolants, but then again it may be slightly modified.

The cheapest to use is Prestone green. It works fine with any car type. It is a form of ethalene glycol that has been used for over 70 years. Vw does not reccomend it, however. They prefere you use anti-phosphate anti-amine coolant in your Vw. Even then it is reccommended to flush it every 3 years.
The colors are blue G11, red/pink G12, and purple G12+. On your overflow there should be a G# . You can use a higher G# and mix them with lower. DO NOT mix green with any other color. A Flush must be done if changing anti-freeze types.
You may have a bad coolant temp sensor. A VAG scan tool will tell you if it is within tolerances. It plugs into the computer through the slot under the steering wheel. An OBD2 scanner should read these codes as well since they are part of the engine systems. Auto parts stores like the autozone will let you borrow one. It will show the tolerances and the output of the sensors voltage resistance. If it falls outside the range, then replace it. A manual for your car is alway reccommended as well, even for a mechanic.
Good Luck!

There would be a round (ball shaped) white/beige plastic reservoir at the passenger side of the engine compartment. Only fill with VW pink coolant and nothing else. There would be a marker around the middle part of it for correct level.

if the engine is cool you can add it either way...hot or cold.but if its been running id let it run while u add coolant. but you can add it either way