In today’s automotive landscape, service departments are not just supporting roles—they’re central to a dealership’s long-term profitability and customer retention. Customers expect the same level of digital ease in car servicing as they do in other industries like retail, finance, or travel. That’s where Xtime comes into play.
Xtime is a service experience platform designed to transform how dealerships interact with customers before, during, and after vehicle servicing. From online scheduling to digital inspections and automated communication, Xtime equips dealerships with the tools they need to enhance service operations, build trust, and improve efficiency.
What is Xtime?
Xtime is a cloud-based software solution tailored specifically for automotive service departments. It provides a digital framework that connects every aspect of the service process—from appointment scheduling and customer communication to technician inspections and follow-up marketing.
Xtime’s platform is designed to optimize customer interactions while also making internal processes faster, more accurate, and more transparent. This results in smoother operations for staff and a more convenient experience for customers.
Key Features of the Xtime Platform
Xtime provides several core functionalities designed to digitize and streamline the entire fixed operations experience. These features work together to form a complete ecosystem that supports dealership service goals.
1. Online Appointment Scheduling
One of the most prominent tools within Xtime’s platform is its online scheduling system. Customers can book service appointments directly through a dealership’s website, 24/7. The system reflects real-time availability, shop capacity, and even technician specialization—ensuring accurate scheduling and fewer conflicts.
For customers, this means convenience and autonomy. For dealerships, it means fewer missed appointments and better utilization of shop time.
2. Digital Check-In and Walkarounds
When customers arrive at the service center, Xtime enables quick, tablet-based check-ins. Advisors can walk around the vehicle with the customer, noting any visible issues, reviewing previous service history, and confirming work requests—all digitally. This improves speed and ensures accuracy while keeping customers engaged in the process.
3. Technician Inspections with Photos and Video
Perhaps one of Xtime’s most impactful features is its digital vehicle inspection tool. Technicians can document service needs with annotated photos and high-definition videos. These are sent directly to the customer, allowing them to visually understand why a certain repair is recommended.
This level of transparency improves customer trust, making them far more likely to approve suggested work—often resulting in a measurable increase in revenue per repair order.
4. Two-Way Messaging and Status Updates
Communication is essential during any service visit. With Xtime, advisors can send status updates and service recommendations to customers via text or email. Customers can reply, approve or decline services, and even ask questions—all from their smartphone. This real-time engagement minimizes delays and removes the friction often associated with phone tag.
5. Post-Service Engagement and Retention Tools
Xtime doesn’t stop when the car leaves the service bay. It also provides dealerships with automated tools for following up with customers—whether it’s reminders for future maintenance, updates on recalls, or promotions on services they previously declined. This type of intelligent outreach keeps the dealership top of mind and drives repeat visits.
How Xtime Benefits Dealerships
Implementing Xtime can produce measurable results across several areas of fixed operations. Here’s how dealerships benefit:
Increased Revenue
By streamlining inspections and simplifying upsells with photos and videos, customers are more likely to approve additional repairs. This boosts the average revenue per repair order.
Better Customer Retention
When customers experience transparency, convenience, and strong follow-up communication, they are more likely to return to the same dealership for future service needs.
Improved Shop Efficiency
Digital tools eliminate manual paperwork and reduce time-consuming steps in the service lane. Technicians and advisors can focus on customer care and technical accuracy, rather than administrative tasks.
Stronger Insights and Reporting
With built-in dashboards and analytics, dealership managers can track key performance indicators like technician productivity, upsell conversion rates, and appointment volume.
Why Xtime Stands Out
Unlike generic scheduling tools or CRM systems, Xtime is purpose-built for automotive dealerships. Its integration with dealer management systems (DMS), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and vehicle recall databases makes it a holistic solution. It’s designed to not only meet the expectations of modern vehicle owners but also align with the operational goals of the dealership.
Moreover, as part of the Cox Automotive family, Xtime has the advantage of continual innovation and support from a company deeply entrenched in automotive retail technology.
A Glimpse at Real-World Results
Many dealerships using Xtime report faster turnaround times, increased service revenue, and improved customer satisfaction scores. Common outcomes include:
Up to 13% increase in customer retention rates
Faster approval times for recommended services
Improved Net Promoter Scores (NPS) due to better communication
Enhanced utilization of service bays and loaner fleets
These results show that Xtime is not just a tech upgrade—it’s a strategic investment in the long-term growth of a dealership’s service department.
In the evolving world of automotive retail, dealerships need every advantage to stay ahead. Service is one of the most profitable and customer-facing parts of the business, and enhancing it with the right technology can yield significant returns.
Xtime offers dealerships a comprehensive, digital-first solution that connects every part of the service journey—from the first click on a scheduling tool to the final thank-you message after vehicle pick-up. For dealerships ready to modernize, retain more customers, and drive revenue, Xtime is the platform to watch.
