I suggest the international drivers license so that the local police don't take your real license in bond. If you have one and you get pulled over (in any European country the laws are very harsh on alcohol and driving for example) they keep the AAA copy and you go on your merry way and get a...
The problem is the stainless covers can be distorted out of shape by a careless tire guy with the wrong size socket. I have had this on my GT and other Ford vehicles. You just have to buy new lugs. Derry (a few posts above) is the expert and his nuts are world famous.
Depends on what you do. If you track the car, most groups want tires three years old or less. If you just drive it, and I mean really drive it, you can probably get 15 to 20 K miles out of the rears and more on the fronts.
Why not look at the battery thread on the Forum. Everything is there. Put 2 or 3 blankets/towels down and double them up. If you think you are too weak to pull it out or drop in, get a helper.