 TITLE: Does Getting Preapproved for a Car Loan Hurt Your Credit? CONTENT: Check Your Credit Before Applying for Auto Loans\n------------------------------------------------\nIt's wise to check your credit three to six months before you plan on financing any large purchase. You can get your credit score and credit report for free with Experian to see where you stand. This allows you to spot problem areas you can address now to boost your score before applying for an auto loan. If you have time to work on improving your credit score, you could be rewarded with better interest rates and terms on your car loan.\nKnowing your credit profile can help you narrow your search to auto loan lenders that are most likely to approve you based on their credit requirements. From there, you can seek preapprovals with multiple lenders, shop around, and look for the best offer for your budget. END