Hi Christian:

___Between the hi and lo marks is fine. ½ way is supposedly optimal according to some of the Prius guys. You will have to speak with them directly however as to the exact answer. Right now, you are too high for high fuel economy. Bring it down either at the dealership or DIY.

___Those short trips are really going to murder your mileage. Unfortunately, it sounds like there isn’t much that you can do about it? In colder temps, I would definitely install an engine block heater as that should help but in moderate temps, there is really nothing that is going to solve the short trips you are setup for. Be thankful you don’t have a long commute like some if us

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net