Used cars often offer drivers with a great number of benefits, not the least of which is their affordability and relative reliability. However, both can be seriously compromised if you don't know what to do when it comes to regular maintenance. Edmunds.com recently offered a few tips on what you should regularly check out to ensure that your older car stays on the road as long as possible.

Experts say that the most crucial thing to do prioritize each maintenance issue, with all safety-related problems at the top. You should not be afraid to spend money on areas such as tires, brakes and steering, all of which could seriously jeopardize your safety if they do not receive regular upkeep and inspection.

Replacing hoses can also be a big issue in older cars, and according to website you'll likely have to switch in new ones depending on how long you've had your car. The key here is to watch out for warning signs of leaks. For instance, the faint smell of gasoline can be indicative of a leaking fuel line while squealing suggests a faulty fan or accessory belt. While this area is a little bit lower priority than safety-related issues, it still should be a concern.

Recent statistics suggest that drivers may be placing extra emphasis on keeping their cars on the road longer. Rebecca Lindland, the director of strategic review at IHS Automotive, spoke with Bloomberg Radio and pointed out that the average age of a car on the road today is an impressive 10.7 years and has covered 130,000 miles.

New Jersey State Auto Auction offers motorists with a full service auto center in its Jersey City location, which provides discounted auto repair and maintenance.