Shop Talk Blog | Auto Repair Software | BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY

Product Update: April 2026

Written by BOLT ON Technology | Apr 27, 2026 11:39:05 AM

🚀 What’s New: Smarter Messaging, Better Booking, and Stronger Shop Workflows

We’re excited to roll out our latest product updates—focused on giving your shop more control, improving customer communication, and restoring critical workflows across your tools.

Here’s what’s new and what it means for you.


🤖 More Control & Confidence with MILES

We’ve made several upgrades to MILES to give your team more flexibility while improving compliance and accuracy.

Pause AI Conversations—Without Turning Off MILES

You can now “snooze” MILES on a per-conversation basis, allowing your staff to jump in and respond manually when needed—without disabling automation across your entire shop.

Why it matters:
You stay in control of important conversations while still benefiting from automation everywhere else.


Built-In SMS Opt-Out Protection

MILES now fully respects SMS opt-outs, ensuring customers who have unsubscribed will never receive AI-generated messages.

Why it matters:
This strengthens compliance and protects your shop from sending unwanted messages.


Accurate Timezone Handling

We’ve fixed how MILES handles timezones, so responses now reflect your shop’s local business hours correctly.

Why it matters:
Customers get accurate, context-aware responses—no more “we’re closed” messages at the wrong time.


📬 Smarter Campaigns That Drive Repeat Business

New Smog Inspection Reminder Campaign

You can now automatically send smog/emissions inspection reminders based on past repair orders.

Why it matters:
Stay ahead of required inspections and generate recurring revenue—without manual follow-up.


Improved Direct Mail Editing

Changes to your direct mail campaigns now save reliably, even when updating other settings.

Why it matters:
No more lost edits or rework—just smoother campaign management.


🌐 A Better Booking Experience for Your Customers

New Mobile-First Appointment Flow

We’ve upgraded the online appointment experience with a modern, mobile-optimized booking flow, including returning-customer lookup and flexible styling options.

Why it matters:
Customers can book faster and easier—on any device—while your site stays on-brand.


📱 Stay Connected with Mobile App Notifications

The Retention Pro mobile app now supports real-time push notifications for:

  • New reviews
  • Appointment activity (booked, rescheduled, canceled, etc.)

Why it matters:
Your team can respond quickly—no matter where they are.


🛠️ Key Fixes & Workflow Improvements

We’ve also focused heavily on restoring and improving critical shop workflows.

Improved Integrations

  • Mitchell1: Correct default phone numbers now sync properly
  • NAPA (NapaTRACS): Sub-estimates sync accurately without duplicates

Why it matters:
Cleaner data = better communication and fewer manual corrections.


🧾 ProPack & Mobile Manager Pro Updates

Restored & Improved Workflows

  • Sub-estimates are fully accessible again in Report Pro
  • New repair orders now appear correctly in workflow lists
  • Tech worksheets display complete vehicle information

Why it matters:
Your team can get back to work without disruptions.


Better Inspections & Messaging

  • Inspection photo timestamps now show the correct local time
  • Appointment reminders only send for active (open) appointments
  • Reminder delivery is now more reliable

Why it matters:
Clearer communication with customers and fewer unnecessary messages.


Expanded Mitchell 9.3 Compatibility

We’ve resolved multiple issues to ensure reports load correctly and return accurate data.

Why it matters:
Everything works as expected on the latest Mitchell version.


Payments Fix for New Customers

New customers can now successfully add payment methods and complete transactions across Portal, Quotes, and AMP.

Why it matters:
No more blocked checkouts—just smoother revenue flow.


✔️ The Bottom Line

This release is all about:

  • Giving you more control over AI-driven conversations
  • Driving repeat business with smarter campaigns
  • Improving customer experience with modern booking and messaging
  • Restoring critical workflows your shop depends on

We’re continuing to focus on making your tools more reliable, more flexible, and more powerful—so you can focus on running your shop.