
Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping; drive slower than usual. Since your vehicle is equipped with
a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), apply the brake steadily.
Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter
for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
4WD vehicles should be driven with traction devices as referred to in
Using snow tires and traction devices in theTires, Wheels and
Loading chapter.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide durable load carrying capability and predictable
performance whether loaded or empty. For this reason, Mazda Motor
Corporation strongly recommends that you do not make modifications
such as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Mazda Motor Corporation recommends that caution be used with any
vehicle equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or
pickup box cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driving
200

IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)
California Civil Code Section 1793.2(d) requires that, if a manufacturer
or its representative is unable to repair a motor vehicle to conform to the
vehicle’s applicable express warranty after a reasonable number of
attempts, the manufacturer shall be required to either replace the
vehicle with one substantially identical or repurchase the vehicle and
reimburse the buyer in an amount equal to the actual price paid or
payable by the consumer (less a reasonable allowance for consumer
use). The consumer has the right to choose whether to receive a refund
or replacement vehicle.
California Civil Code Section 1793.22(b) presumes that the manufacturer
has had a reasonable number of attempts to conform the vehicle to its
applicable express warranties if, within the first 18 months of ownership
of a new vehicle or the first 18,000 miles (29,000 km), whichever occurs
first:1. Two or more repair attempts are made on the same nonconformity likely to cause death or serious bodily injury OR
2. Four or more repair attempts are made on the same nonconformity (a defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, value or
safety of the vehicle) OR
3. The vehicle is out of service for repair of nonconformities for a total of more than 30 calendar days (not necessarily all at one time).
In the case of 1 or 2 above, the consumer must also notify the
manufacturer of the need for the repair of the nonconformity at the
following address:
Mazda North American Operations
7755, Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618–2922
MAZDA IMPORTERS/DISTRIBUTORS
U.S.A (Importer/Distributor)
Mazda North American Operations
7755 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618–2922
P.O. Box 19734
Irvine, CA 92623–9734
TEL: 1 (800) 222–5500 (in U.S.A.)
(949) 727–1990 (outside U.S.A.)
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Customer Assistance
236

•Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.
WARNING: Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents
when cleaning the seat where the side air bag (if equipped) is
mounted. Such products may contaminate the side air bag
system and affect performance of the air bag in a collision. The
air bag may not function correctly and not provide any injury
reduction benefits.
LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
Your leather seating surfaces have a clear, protective coating over the
leather.
• To clean, use a soft cloth with Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner
(0000-77-430E-15), available at your authorized Mazda dealer. Dry the
area with a soft cloth.
• To help maintain its resiliency and color, use the Deluxe Leather Care
Kit (0000-77-609E-03), available at your authorized Mazda dealer.
• Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions, solvents or
cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl and plastics, or oil/petroleum-based
leather conditioners. These products may cause premature wearing of
the clear, protective coating.
UNDERBODY
Flush the complete underside of your vehicle frequently. Keep body and
door drain holes free from packed dirt.
MAZDA CAR CARE PRODUCTS
Your Mazda dealer has many quality products available to clean your
vehicle and protect its finishes. These quality products have been
specifically engineered to fulfill your automotive needs; they are custom
designed to complement the style and appearance of your vehicle. Each
product is made from high quality materials that meet or exceed rigid
specifications. For best results, use these products or products of
equivalent quality. These products are available at your authorized Mazda
dealer.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Cleaning
246

Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline with
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as “Regular” that
are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems, try a different brand of unleaded gasoline. “Premium”
unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline because it may cause these problems to
become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your authorized
dealer.
Do not add aftermarket fuel additive products to your fuel tank. It
should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. These products have not been approved for your engine and
could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of
using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your
warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-Wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-Wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-Wide Fuel Charter.
Cleaner air
Mazda endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality, per the recommendations in theChoosing the Right
Fuel section.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
268

7. The fluid level should be within1/4 inch (6 mm) of the plug
threads.
8. Replace the check plug.
Adjusting eCVT fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is indicated in the Maintenance product specifications and
capacities section in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved fluid may cause internal transaxle
component damage.
If the fluid level is low, add fluid through the check port until the level is
correct and fluid begins to run out of the transmission. If an overfill
occurs, excess fluid should be removed by allowing the fluid to run out
of the check port.
A serious overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause
damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
AIR FILTER
Refer to scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Mazda air filter
element listed. Refer to Mazda part numbersin this chapter.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or
personal burn injuries do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is
running.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
278

WHICH MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE SHOULD YOU FOLLOW?
Owner Checks and Services
Refer to Mileage Intervals for Additional Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
by the owner or a service technician at the intervals indicated. Service
information and supporting specifications are provided in thisOwner’s
Manual.
Any adverse condition should be brought to the attention of your dealer
or qualified service technician as soon as possible for the proper service
advice. The owner maintenance service checks are generally not covered
by warranties so you may be charged for labor, parts or lubricants used.
Maximum Oil Change Interval
❑12 months, 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 200 hours of engine operation.
Mazda Premium Gold Engine Coolant change interval
❑6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) - change Mazda Premium Gold Engine Coolant (whichever comes first)❑After initial change - change Mazda Premium Gold Engine Coolant every 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). Check every month
❑Check function of all interior and exterior lights❑Check tires for wear and correct air pressure, including spare tire
❑Check windshield washer fluid level
❑Check engine oil levelCheck every six months
❑Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function❑Check that externally mounted spare tire is properly stowed (tight)
❑Check parking brake for proper operation
❑Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, air bag, seat belt) for operation
❑Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
❑Check low voltage (underhood) battery connections and clean if necessary
❑Check washer spray, wiper operation and clean all wiper blades (replace as necessary)
❑Check and lubricate all hinges, latches and outside locks. Inspect for correct operation
❑Check and lubricate door rubber weatherstrips. Inspect for excessive wear
❑Check and clean body and door drain holes. Inspect for clogs and obstructions
2008 Tribute Hybrid(thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Service Maintenance Section
291

Multi-point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important that you have
the systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify any
potential issue before there are any problems. Mazda Motor Corporation
suggests the following multi-point inspection to be performed at every
scheduled maintenance as the way to ensure your vehicle keeps running
right.
NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND LOG
The following section contains the “Normal Schedule”. This schedule is
presented at specific mileage (kilometer) intervals with exceptions
noted.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THE WEB
To learn more about the importance of routine and dealer-performed
maintenance on your vehicle, please visit the Mazda Customer Service
Web site. You’ll also find important warranty information, customer
assistance, technical expertise, frequently asked questions and much
more. The Web site location is: www.genuineservice.com.
Then go to the vehicles and services pick at the Web site.
Multi-point inspection - Recommended at every visit
❑Check and top up fluid levels: brake, engine coolant recovery reservoir, motor/electronics reservoir and window washer.❑Inspect tires for wear and correct air pressure.
❑Check exhaust system for leaks, damage, loose parts and foreign materials.
❑Check low voltage (underhood) battery performance.
❑Check operation of horn, exterior lamps, turn signals and hazard warning lights.
❑Check radiator, coolers and heater and air conditioning hoses.
❑Inspect windshield washer spray and wiper operation.
❑Check windshield for cracks, chips and pitting.
❑Inspect for oil and fluid leaks.
❑Inspect engine air cleaner filter and elements.
❑Inspect half-shaft dust boots.
❑Check shocks, struts and other suspension components for leaks and damage.
2008 Tribute Hybrid(thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Service Maintenance Section
292

SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
Every 5,000 miles, 6 months or 200 hours
of engine operation
(whichever comes first) Change engine oil and replace filter
Every 5,000 miles Inspect tires and rotate
Extensive Idling and/or Low Speed Driving for Long Distances as in Heavy
Commercial Use Such as Delivery, Taxi, Patrol Vehicle or Livery. This
operating condition is for Extensive Maximum A/C or Heater Operation with engine on in the above listed usage.
Every 5,000 miles, 6 months or 200 hours
of engine operation
(whichever comes first) Change engine oil and replace filter
Every 5,000 miles Inspect tires and rotate
Every 60,000 miles Replace spark plugs
As required Replace cabin air filter, if equipped
Operating in dusty conditions such as unpaved or dusty roads
Every 5,000 miles, 6 months or 200 hours
of engine operation
(whichever comes first) Change engine oil and replace filter
Inspect tires and rotate
As required Replace cabin air filter, if equipped
Replace engine air filter
Replace high voltage battery A/C air filter
Off-road operation
Every 5,000 miles, 6 months or 200 hours
of engine operation
(whichever comes first) Change engine oil and replace filter
Inspect tires and rotate
As required Replace cabin air filter, if equipped
Replace engine air filter
Replace high voltage battery A/C filter
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Service Maintenance Section
299