On my power steering level under the bonnet(escort gti) it says max cold and max hot, now ive never seen the level on the max hot marker even when the engine is warm, BUT even though its not when i twist the cap off i can see the fluid about 2inches from the top, so why doesnt it say max hot all the time as its so full? am i being dumb here?

 

When the power steering fluid heats up, it expands.

So after a good run with plenty of steering wheel action, the fluid should be hot and at the HOT MAX lvl.

I always check mine in the morning so that i know its cold

If yours is at MAX HOT when its cold, its been over filled.

 

Like i said when i take the cap off its only 2inches from the top yet its not showing as max hot, i dont think 2inches is much room for expansion?