Yes, you should refinance your car if interest rates have dropped and your credit score has improved since you bought it. On average, drivers save $142 per month by refinancing, which reduces total interest paid by hundreds of dollars over the loan term. Your monthly payment usually does not drop automatically when market rates fall because most auto loans have fixed interest rates.
Refinancing replaces your old loan with a new one that has a lower APR, a longer term, or both. This can help you in two main ways:
| Goal | How Refinancing Helps |
|---|---|
| Lower monthly payment | Secure a lower rate or extend your loan term to reduce monthly costs |
| Lower total interest | Get a lower rate and keep or shorten your term to reduce borrowing costs |
Tax Tip: Most savings come from lowering your APR while keeping your term similar. Extending your term too much can lower your monthly payment but increase total interest over time.
Before applying, gather these four numbers:
- Current loan balance
- Your current APR
- Remaining loan term
- Monthly payment amount
Also check your credit score. A stronger credit profile helps you qualify for better rates. If your score hasn’t improved or has dropped, your new rate may not be lower.
"Owners who refinance within the first 18 months save an average of $1,200 per year," says the Sidekick Research Team, based on analysis of 2,400 verified vehicle records.
Sidekick can help you compare real offers from top lenders and calculate your exact savings before you apply. Use Sidekick’s free auto refinance calculator to estimate how much you could save.
After refinancing, confirm your old loan shows a zero balance, set up automatic payments on the new loan, and keep your payoff documentation. This clean transition protects your finances and ensures the process is complete.