Thanks for the information. It IS weird to hear you need to spend money to slow down to winter rubber. I am actually from Vancouver, BC, just north of the border from Seattle. I am flying down, and taking some time for the drive home, planning to trace most of the old Route 66, then leisurely motor mostly number One up the coast from Santa Monica. It will be a nice way to see some traditional American scenery, and break the new puppy in! Thanks again for the input.