In the competitive landscape of the automotive industry, the service department—often referred to as fixed operations (fixed ops)—is a key profit center for dealerships. As customer expectations rise and digital experiences become the norm, forward-thinking dealerships are turning to platforms like Xtime to revolutionize how they deliver service, retain customers, and drive revenue.

Xtime, a solution from Cox Automotive, is designed specifically to optimize the service side of a dealership’s operations. Through its robust, cloud-based suite of tools, Xtime helps dealerships enhance the customer journey from scheduling through service check-out, all while increasing efficiency and transparency across service lanes.

In this article, we’ll explore what Xtime offers, how it benefits dealerships, and why it is increasingly becoming the gold standard in automotive service technology.

What Is Xtime?

Xtime is a digital service platform that supports every stage of the vehicle service process at automotive dealerships. From booking appointments online to conducting digital multi-point inspections and enabling mobile payment, Xtime simplifies and enhances the entire fixed ops workflow.

Used by thousands of dealerships and trusted by dozens of automotive manufacturers, Xtime connects dealers, customers, and vehicles through a cohesive experience that increases service revenue, customer satisfaction, and loyalty.

Xtime’s Four Core Modules

Xtime delivers its functionality through four integrated modules—each focusing on a key part of the service process. These are known collectively as the Xtime Spectrum platform:

1. Invite – Marketing and Service Reminders

The Invite module focuses on customer engagement and retention. Through intelligent targeting and data-driven outreach, dealerships can send timely service reminders and personalized offers via email or text.

Key features:

• Automated appointment reminder campaigns

• Integration with CRM and DMS data

• Recall notifications and service specials

• High customer engagement through SMS and email

This ensures customers stay informed and are encouraged to return for regular maintenance—improving service retention rates and shop utilization.

2. Schedule – Online and Mobile Appointment Booking

Xtime Schedule enables customers to book their service appointments online, anytime, from any device. It connects directly to a dealership’s service scheduling calendar and technician availability, reducing double-bookings and phone call overload.

Benefits include:

• 24/7 self-service booking

• Load-balanced appointment slots

• Integration with DMS and service team workflows

• Enhanced customer convenience and fewer no-shows

Dealerships using Schedule often see significant increases in appointment volume and higher customer satisfaction scores due to its user-friendly experience.

3. Engage – Digital Check-In and Service Presentation

The Engage module empowers service advisors to deliver a digital check-in experience, guiding customers through their service options using a tablet or kiosk. Customers can review pricing, select additional services, and receive real-time updates during the repair process.

Engage makes it possible to:

• Digitize service recommendations

• Provide consistent, transparent pricing

• Send approvals via text or email

• Enable faster check-in and check-out processes

By using Engage, dealerships reduce wait times and improve communication between advisors and customers—often leading to higher acceptance rates on recommended services.

4. Inspect – Multi-Point Digital Vehicle Inspections

Xtime Inspect replaces traditional paper-based inspections with a dynamic digital tool. Technicians use tablets to complete inspections and include photos, videos, and notes that help customers better understand the condition of their vehicle.

Inspect features:

• Customizable inspection checklists

• Visual media (photos/videos) to increase transparency

• Real-time updates to advisors

• Higher approval rates on repair recommendations

Customers are more likely to approve repairs when they can see evidence of an issue, and Inspect helps dealerships increase their average repair order value (ROV).

Additional Features of Xtime

Beyond its core modules, Xtime offers several enhancements that improve the service experience even further:

Text Marketing

Dealerships can use text message campaigns to drive service traffic. These messages have high open rates and are particularly effective for short-notice reminders or last-minute promotions.

Mobile Payments

Customers can pay directly from their smartphone after service is completed. This reduces wait times and creates a seamless, contactless checkout experience.

Loaner and Valet Coordination

Some dealerships integrate Xtime with their loaner fleet and valet systems, allowing customers to schedule transportation when dropping off or picking up their vehicle.

Benefits for Dealerships

Dealerships using Xtime report measurable improvements across several key performance areas. These include:

1. Increased Service Revenue

With better upselling through digital MPIs and service recommendations, dealerships often increase their average dollars per RO. The transparent process leads to greater customer trust—and more approved work.

2. Stronger Customer Retention

Service reminders, marketing automation, and enhanced communication keep customers coming back. Dealers using Xtime often report a 10–15% increase in service retention within the first year.

3. Higher Customer Satisfaction

Digital scheduling, mobile payment, and visual inspection reports offer a modern, convenient experience that today’s customers expect. Many dealerships see an increase in CSI (Customer Satisfaction Index) scores after adopting Xtime.

4. Improved Efficiency

By digitizing processes and reducing manual entry, Xtime frees up time for advisors and technicians. The service department becomes more productive, reducing customer wait times and labor bottlenecks.

Why Customers Appreciate Xtime

From the customer’s perspective, Xtime creates a seamless and trustworthy experience. Key benefits include:

• Flexible scheduling: Book anytime, anywhere

• Real-time updates: Know what’s happening with your car

• Clear pricing: No surprises when the bill comes

• Visual proof: See why a service is being recommended

• Easy communication: Approve work or ask questions via text

• Contactless payment: Pay from your phone, skip the line

This combination of convenience and transparency builds trust—and makes customers more likely to return for future services.

Integration and OEM Partnerships

Xtime integrates with nearly all major Dealer Management Systems (DMS), including CDK, Reynolds & Reynolds, Dealertrack, and PBS Systems. These integrations ensure seamless data flow between systems and reduce administrative workload.

Additionally, Xtime is certified by over 30 OEMs, meaning it meets factory standards and can help dealerships maintain compliance while providing a consistent customer experience across franchises.

Real-World Results

Dealerships that implement Xtime often report:

• 8–10% increase in service appointment volume

• 20–30% improvement in upsell rates

• Significant boost in CSI scores

• Higher ROI from marketing campaigns

By adopting a fully digital workflow, these dealers also reduce time-consuming manual tasks, improve internal communication, and offer a more modern brand experience to customers.

Getting Started with Xtime

Getting started with Xtime is simple. Dealerships can:

1. Request a demo on 

2. Choose modules (Invite, Schedule, Engage, Inspect)

3. Train staff with support from Cox Automotive experts

4. Go live and monitor improvements via analytics dashboards

Xtime also offers ongoing support and training resources to ensure your team continues to succeed after implementation.

 

In a digital-first world, modern dealerships must rethink how they deliver service. Customers expect transparency, convenience, and communication—and Xtime delivers on all fronts. By streamlining fixed operations through integrated scheduling, inspections, and digital customer engagement, Xtime helps dealerships increase revenue, improve customer retention, and build a better service experience from start to finish.