Why on earth do they put a min and a max mark on the side of the brake resovoir

There in no way on earth you can see through the plastic material to see the fluid level

it's not in the easiest place to check anyway

Edited 9 August, 20169 yr by mike4scuba

And you need a long funnel/tube or similar to fill the damn thing!

small torch behind?

I have a small torch. About the size of my index finger and quite powerful with a L-ion AA (14500) battery.

 

I do not think I could get it anywhere behind my reservoir though. (or at the side).

When you're stuck out in the wilds and need to top up due to a leak I would say open bonnet, unscrew reservoir cap, unscrew fluid bottle cap and throw bottle at the engine with your eyes closed... you won't make any difference mess wise!