When I check any of my fluids, I occasionally put some fluid on a clean, white rag. That way I can check the color of the fluid.

You should also check some new fluid, or check the fliud as soom as it has been changed, so that you can have an idea what good fluid looks like.
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96 855R, 95 855,854, 90 744 Ti - 340,000 Volvo miles put on 7 bricks

Roo

Park on level ground

Set steering wheel straight ahead

The engine should be turned OFF

Check the level when the fluid is COLD. (You haven't turned the wheel for some time I guess) I usually do the check early in the morning so everything is cold.

When the fluid is COLD it should be BETWEEN the MIN and MAX lines.

When you check it hot it will be around the MAX line, so to be accurate check it COLD. If it is below the MIN line when COLD you may need to add some fluid.

Just remember check it COLD and make the decision to add ONLY when COLD.

One more thing, after turning the engine off, prior to checking the level DON'T TURN THE WHEEL. It will give a false reading.

Miker