As the seasons shift, dealers know that winterization isn’t just a service task—it’s a revenue-driving opportunity. Preparing boats, RVs, trailers, and equipment for cold weather is essential for protecting customer investments, and it also gives dealerships a chance to build long-term loyalty. But the challenge is clear: how do you consistently reach every customer at the right time, educate them on the importance of winterization, and ensure your service bays stay full through the slower months?
That’s where AI for dealerships—and specifically Kenect Service AI—comes in.
Why winterization matters for dealers
Winterization is a must for protecting customer investments. Without proper service, freezing temperatures can cause thousands of dollars in damage, cracked engine blocks, burst pipes, and costly repairs that insurance often doesn’t cover.
For dealers, this presents both a responsibility and an opportunity:
- Protect your customers’ investments. Position your dealership as the trusted advisor who helps customers avoid costly mistakes.
- Drive repeat service business. Seasonal service like winterization ensures customers come back year after year.
- Build loyalty for future sales. A positive service experience makes it more likely that customers will return to you when they’re ready for their next purchase.
But too often, dealers rely on phone calls, mass emails, or employees manually chasing down customers. That’s inefficient, inconsistent, and leaves revenue on the table.
The challenge of winterization campaigns
Dealerships face unique challenges with winterization campaigns:
- Timing. Customers procrastinate until the first freeze hits, overwhelming your service department.
- Volume. Calling hundreds, or even thousands, of owners is nearly impossible for a busy service team.
- Consistency. Manual outreach leads to missed opportunities and uneven follow-up.
Dealers know the importance of outreach but often lack the tools to make it smooth, automated, and effective.
Enter Kenect Service AI: Smarter outreach for dealerships
Kenect Service AI transforms the way specialty dealerships run seasonal campaigns like winterization. Instead of relying on manual outreach, Service AI automates the entire process:
- Automated Text Reminders. Customers receive timely, personalized text messages reminding them to schedule winterization before the first freeze.
- Smart Triggers from Your DMS. Service AI connects with your dealer management system (DMS) to trigger messages based on key events, like approaching maintenance intervals or service history.
- Instant Scheduling. Customers can book appointments directly from a text or call, reducing friction and making it easy to secure a time slot.
- Post-Service Follow-Up. After the job is done, Service AI can automatically send thank-you texts, upsell storage options, or remind customers about spring de-winterization.
The result? Full service bays, reduced no-shows, and a streamlined process that makes both your team and your customers happy.
The power of AI for dealerships
What makes Kenect Service AI different from generic marketing tools is its dealership-specific intelligence. This isn’t just mass texting, it’s AI built for dealerships. Service AI helps:
- Predict customer needs. It knows when to prompt outreach based on service patterns.
- Personalize communication. Messages feel conversational, not canned.
- Scale your campaigns. Whether you’re servicing 50 boats or 500 RVs, the system works without adding strain to your staff.
This is the future of AI for dealerships—smarter, faster, and more effective engagement that meets customers where they are: on their phones.
How dealers can launch a winterization campaign today
To maximize this season’s winterization opportunity, here’s a simple framework using Kenect Service AI:
- Identify customers with vehicles, units, or equipment needing service before winter.
- Set up automated text campaigns triggered by dates, service intervals, or inventory.
- Educate customers with short, clear messages on why winterization is critical.
- Enable instant scheduling so customers can act in one tap.
- Follow up after service to thank customers and promote spring service options.
With Service AI, this process runs in the background while your team focuses on delivering great service.
Winterization is more than a seasonal task—it’s a chance to strengthen customer relationships, secure recurring revenue, and showcase your dealership’s value. By combining your expertise with Kenect Service AI, you can automate outreach, keep your service bays full, and give your customers peace of mind heading into winter.
For dealers looking to stay ahead, adopting AI for dealerships isn’t just a competitive advantage—it’s the next evolution of customer service.
.png)
.png)
