Xtime: Powering the Future of Dealership Service Experiences

 

In the rapidly evolving automotive industry, the service department is no longer just a place to perform oil changes and tire rotations. It’s a vital profit center and one of the key drivers of long-term customer loyalty. With customer expectations higher than ever and digital convenience becoming the norm, dealerships are turning to solutions like Xtime to modernize and streamline their service operations.

Xtime, part of the Cox Automotive family, offers a digital platform designed to enhance every aspect of the fixed operations (fixed ops) process. From online appointment scheduling to service lane management, digital vehicle inspections, and follow-up communications, Xtime empowers dealerships to deliver a seamless and personalized customer experience while boosting efficiency and profitability.

What is Xtime?

Xtime is a cloud-based software solution focused specifically on the service side of automotive dealerships. The platform is built to optimize operations in four key areas:

  1. Scheduling and appointment management

  2. Digital check-in and customer engagement

  3. Inspection and service recommendation delivery

  4. Customer retention through follow-up and marketing

These functions are grouped into four modules—Schedule, Engage, Inspect, and Invite—that work together to create a complete digital service experience.

Why Fixed Ops Matter

Fixed operations (which include service, parts, and body shop functions) can account for nearly half of a dealership’s gross profits. Yet many dealers struggle with inefficiencies, paper-based workflows, poor communication, and underutilized service bays.

Customers, on the other hand, are used to the ease of digital scheduling, real-time updates, and fast service found in other industries. Xtime bridges this gap by bringing a modern, mobile-friendly experience to dealership service departments.

Core Xtime Modules Explained

1. Schedule – Book Appointments Anytime, Anywhere

Xtime’s Schedule tool gives customers the flexibility to book service appointments 24/7 from their computer or smartphone. The system syncs with the dealership’s actual technician availability, service bay capacity, and even loaner car inventory to offer real-time scheduling options.

This eliminates overbooking, improves time management, and reduces phone calls—making it easier for both customers and staff to plan ahead.

2. Engage – Digitize the Check-In and Upsell Process

With Engage, the traditional paper-based check-in is replaced by a tablet interface. Service advisors can present maintenance options, recalls, pricing menus, and upsell recommendations digitally. Customers can approve or decline services on the spot—reducing wait times and boosting transparency.

Real-time communication continues throughout the repair process with status updates sent via text or email. This leads to higher trust and satisfaction, as customers are kept informed at every step.

3. Inspect – Transparent, Digital Vehicle Inspections

Inspect allows technicians to complete multi-point inspections using mobile devices. They can attach images, video clips, and notes to highlight needed repairs or service recommendations. These visual proofs help customers understand the urgency and importance of services, making them more likely to approve additional work.

It’s a win for both parties—customers gain clarity, and dealerships increase revenue per repair order (RO).

4. Invite – Keep Customers Coming Back

Even after a customer leaves the service bay, Xtime Invite helps bring them back. This module supports targeted marketing and communication campaigns via email or SMS, reminding customers when they’re due for service or notifying them about recalls, service specials, or previously declined work.

With customizable messaging and smart automation, Invite plays a key role in boosting service retention, which is essential for long-term dealership growth.

Benefits for Dealerships

Dealerships that adopt Xtime experience significant improvements in performance, including:

  • Higher service retention rates: Customers are more likely to return thanks to consistent follow-ups and a smoother experience.

  • Increased revenue per RO: Transparent upselling and digital inspections make it easier to explain and sell additional services.

  • Greater appointment volume: Online booking makes it convenient for customers to schedule appointments without calling.

  • Operational efficiency: Reduced manual tasks free up time for advisors and techs to focus on service quality.

Better for Customers, Too

For customers, Xtime transforms the service experience into something convenient, transparent, and trustworthy. Benefits include:

  • Booking anytime from a phone or laptop

  • Receiving updates and approvals digitally

  • Seeing photos and videos of needed repairs

  • Paying online without having to wait in line

In short, it brings the dealership experience in line with what customers expect from any modern service business.

Integration and Compatibility

Xtime integrates with most major Dealer Management Systems (DMS), including CDK Global, Reynolds & Reynolds, Dealertrack, and PBS Systems. It also connects with OEM systems to support factory maintenance schedules and warranty status.

This means dealerships can implement Xtime without overhauling their existing tech stack—and instead enhance what they already use.

Xtime in 2025: What’s New?

In 2025, Xtime has expanded its capabilities with enhanced features like:

  • AI-powered analytics to track service performance

  • Bulk texting tools to streamline communication

  • Improved media sharing for ASRs (Additional Service Recommendations)

These innovations help dealerships stay competitive in an increasingly digital-first world, offering new ways to optimize operations and grow revenue.


Xtime is more than just an appointment scheduler—it's a complete digital service experience platform designed to meet the demands of today’s dealership customers. By combining smart scheduling, real-time communication, transparent inspections, and targeted marketing, Xtime helps dealerships modernize their service operations, increase profitability, and build stronger customer relationships.

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