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It can be, but only if you do not roll the negative equity from your old loan into the new one. This often requires a significant down payment to break the cycle of debt.
While paying more than the minimum doesn't change your current required payment, it aggressively reduces the principal debt. As the principal shrinks, so do the future minimum payments, steadily improving your PTI over the long term.
Secured debt is backed by collateral (e.g., a mortgage or auto loan), which the lender can repossess if you default. Unsecured debt (e.g., credit cards, medical bills) is not backed by collateral, making it riskier for lenders and often carrying higher interest rates.
The positive impact is not immediate. It takes time for the new account to age and for you to establish a history of on-time payments. The benefit to your mix is realized gradually as the account matures.
Fixed expenses remain constant each month (e.g., rent, car payment, minimum debt payments). Variable expenses fluctuate (e.g., groceries, entertainment, utilities). Controlling variable expenses is key to freeing up money for debt.