2008 MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE HEV suspension

WARNING: Only use replacement tires and wheels that are the
same size, load index, speed rating and type (such as P-metric
versus LT-metric or all-season versus all-terrain) as those
originally provided by Mazda. The recommended tire and wheel
size may be found on either the Safety Compliance Certification
Label or the Tire Label which is located on the B-Pillar or edge
of the driver’s door. If this information is not found on these
labels then you should consult your Mazda dealer. Use of any
tire or wheel not recommended by Mazda can affect the safety
and performance of your vehicle, which could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. Additionally the use of
non-recommended tires and wheels could cause steering,
suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit failure. If
you have questions regarding tire replacement, see an
authorized dealer.
WARNING: When mounting replacement tires and wheels, you
should not exceed the maximum pressure indicated on the
sidewall of the tire to set the beads without additional
precautions listed below. If the beads do not seat at the
maximum pressure indicated, re-lubricate and try again.
When inflating the tire for mounting pressures up to 20 psi
greater than the maximum pressure on the tire sidewall, the
following precautions must be taken to protect the person
mounting the tire:
1. Make sure that you have the correct tire and wheel size.
2. Lubricate the tire bead and wheel bead seat area again.
3. Stand at a minimum of 12 feet away from the tire wheel
assembly.
4. Use both eye and ear protection.
For a mounting pressure more than 20 psi greater than the
maximum pressure, a Mazda Dealer or other tire service
professional should do the mounting.
Always inflate steel carcass tires with a remote air fill with the
person inflating standing at a minimum of 12 ft. away from the
tire wheel assembly.
It is recommended that the two front tires or two rear tires generally be
replaced as a pair.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
156

Tire and wheel alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can cause the front end of your
vehicle to become misaligned or cause damage to your tires. If your
vehicle seems to pull to one side when you’re driving, the wheels may be
out of alignment. Have an authorized dealer check the wheel alignment
periodically.
Wheel misalignment in the front or the rear can cause uneven and rapid
treadwear of your tires and should be corrected by an authorized dealer.
Front wheel drive (FWD) vehicles and those with an independent rear
suspension (if equipped) may require alignment of all four wheels.
The tires should also be balanced periodically. An unbalanced tire and
wheel assembly may result in irregular tire wear.
Tire rotation
Rotating your tires at the recommended interval (as indicated in the
Scheduled maintenancesection of theMaintenance and
Specifications chapter) will help your tires wear more evenly, providing
better tire performance and longer tire life.
• Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
vehicles (front tires at top of
diagram)
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
158

Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine, transaxle,
axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to maximize
vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
•Stay within your vehicle’s load limits.
• Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer to Preparing to
tow in this chapter.
• Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer to Driving
while you tow in this chapter.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the
severe duty schedule in the service maintenance section.
• Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
• Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Certification label. For
load specification terms found on the label, refer to Vehicle loadingin
this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded
trailer when figuring the total weight.
FWD
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights Engine Maximum GCWR - lb. (kg) Trailer Weight
Range - lb. (kg) Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - ft
2(m2)
2.3L 4820 (2186) 1000 (454) 24 (2.2)
Notes:For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1000 ft.
(300 meters) elevation. For definitions of terms and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer to Vehicle loadingin this chapter.
Maximum trailer weights shown. The combined weight of the completed
towing vehicle and the loaded trailer must not exceed the GCWR.
Your Hybrid vehicle is capable of pulling the maximum trailer weight(s)
as specified above. Certain states require electric trailer brakes for
trailers over a specified weight. Your Hybrid vehicle electrical system is
not equipped to accommodate electric trailer brakes.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
177

Pull the release lever to release the
brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electric Power-Assisted Steering
(EPAS) system. There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Under extreme usage conditions, the steering effort may
increase. This occurs to prevent overheating and permanent damage to
your steering system. If this should occur, you will neither lose the ability
to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause permanent damage.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the system to cool and
steering assist will return to normal.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
PREPARING TO DRIVE
WARNING: Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driving
190

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

Genuine Mazda Parts and Service
When planning your maintenance services, consider your Mazda
dealership for all your vehicle’s needs.
Get the most from your service and maintenance visits
There are a lot of reasons why visiting your Mazda Dealership for all
your service needs is a great way to help keep your vehicle running
great.
Convenience
Many Dealerships have extended evening and Saturday hours to make
your service visit more convenient. How’s that for quality service?
Factory-trained Technicians
Mazda service technicians participate in extensive factory-sponsored
certification training to help them become experts on the operation of
your vehicle. Ask your Dealership about the training and certification
their technicians have received.
Factory Authorized Systems Checks
In the event your vehicle experiences a component related concern,
please contact your Mazda dealership. The Mazda Motor Corporation
Trained Technicians who work at Mazda dealerships are specifically
trained to understand your vehicle.
A proper repair begins with a thorough system check. Factory
Authorized Systems Checks can ONLY be found at a Mazda dealership. In
some circumstances, the Technician may need to request your
authorization to perform additional operations to determine the final
diagnosis. The Technician’s goal is to ensure that your vehicle is fixed
right the first time, at the best value to you.
The following list represents several of the Factory Authorized Systems
Checks available at participating Mazda Dealerships:
•Climate Control
• Check Engine Light
• All Wheel Drive/Four-Wheel Drive
• Automatic Transmission
• Engine Cooling/Cabin Heating
• Suspension/Steering
• Charge/Start/Battery
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Service Maintenance Section
289

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

U.S. AND CANADIAN SCHEDULE
5,000 miles (8,000 km)
❑Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth❑Rotate tiresDEALERVALIDATION:
RO#: P&A C
ODE:
D
ATE:MILEAGE:
10,000 miles (16,000 km)
❑Change engine oil and replace oil filter❑Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth❑Rotate tires❑Inspect high voltage battery A/C filter, replace if necessary
DEALERVALIDATION:
RO#: P&A C
ODE:
D
ATE:MILEAGE:
20,000 miles (32,000 km)
❑Change engine oil and replace oil filter❑Inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth❑Rotate tires❑Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines and
hoses and parking brake
❑Inspect engine and Motor/electronics cooling system and
hoses
❑Inspect steering linkage, suspension and, if equipped, half-
shafts, driveshaft and ball joints
❑Inspect exhaust system and heat shields❑Replace high voltage battery A/C filter
DEALERVALIDATION:
RO#: P&A C
ODE:
D
ATE:MILEAGE:
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Service Maintenance Section
293