B&m 21040 Master Racing Automatic Transmission Overhaul Kit on 2040-parts.com

Watch the sad, final moments of a crusher-bound heap

Automotive wrecking yards are good places to reflect on the real-world values of heavily depreciated vehicles versus global current scrap-metal prices, and to see which cars have suddenly had the fix-it-versus-total-it line moved by insurance companies (the early-21st-century Subaru Legacy Outback, for example, appeared in large numbers in high-turnover wrecking yards just during the last year, as fairly minor collision damage on these cars is no longer worth fixing). You'll see the things that a car's last owner does in a desperate attempt to sell (or at least live with) an increasingly decrepit heap (as we learned in "Repo Man," you really will find a Little Tree in every car). During a recent trip to a San Jose, Calif., yard, I encountered this sad yet strangely compelling scene.

Cadillac Escalade drivers shouldn't have passengers up front

It seems like every day General Motors is adding to its already extensive list of recalls. This makes 2014 a tough year for the automaker, bringing the total number of safety recalls up to 29. Today's recall is for the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia full-size crossovers from 2009-2014 and Saturn Outlooks from 2009-2010.

Drivers against remote stopping devices

EU PLANS to introduced remote stopping devices that can be activated by the police in an emergency have been met with concern by drivers. Under the proposed legislation a six-year timetable for remote stopping devices is planned with the aim of police being able to bring dangerous high-speed car chases to a halt. A device would be fitted to all cars that would allow a central control room to cut the ignition and fuel supply of any vehicle.