Welcome! I'm new to this club myself, but I'm also a member of 'ClubLexus'.
There are brake pad sensors located on the right calipers in front & rear, they cost about $100 a piece from the dealer. It's just a piece of wire that's looped, once it breaks the brake pad wear limit indicator displays. Mine broke recently, I got a piece of copper wire, soldered it to make a new loop and the warning light disapeared. :D The ECT increases transmission power and speed in my experience. Pay attention to your acceleration in 'Norm' mode and try it in 'Power' mode. You will feel a difference, you get longer revs in power mode than in norm. As far as tires are concerned try the Yokohama Avid or Decibels, I heard those have minimal road noise. Check out www.tirerack.com for different brands and ratings and also www.tires.com www.victoriatire.com for comparison in prices...good luck! :)