Drivers have a lot of concerns to juggle. Whether they're worrying about gas prices, the next scheduled tune up or starting the process of buying a used car, motorists have to focus on all kinds of financial and practical needs. While this may take a lot of time, effort and brain power, it's not an excuse to let other bits of auto news fall by the wayside. In fact, people who strive to stay on top of current events in the industry may find they are able to make smarter decisions. 

Stay knowledgeable about recalls
One of the most important things drivers can do is pay attention to auto news. There were a record number of car recalls in 2014. Although some industry leaders believe this may be attributed to people being overly cautious about potential problems, it's an area that used car owners should focus on. It can be tough for these drivers to get alerts regarding updates, so motorists need to go the extra mile to stay safe – no matter what type of vehicle they're driving. 

"I'd rather have people be preemptive," Mark Rosekind, the chief of the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, told The Wall Street Journal. "… Safety should not be based on the price of your car." 

Used cars you can trust
If you want to get behind the wheel of a used car, the fear of recalls shouldn't stop you. In fact, there overwhelming odds are that there won't be an issue relating to your ride, as many of the initial bugs vehicles experienced have likely been worked out. This is also easy to verify. For example, the selection of used cars at NJ State Auto Auction is made up of Carfax-certified vehicles, making it easy to get a vehicle history report. 

Making an effort with used cars
The work doesn't stop once you've secured the car you want. Make sure you're staying up-to-date on the latest recalls and related events in the auto industry. You should also be ensuring you're giving your car the care it needs. Proper maintenance is essential to good performance and fuel efficiency, and by heading to a shop for regular tune ups, you can be sure experts are catching any issues.