Car Automation using tasker

I have recently purchased a new (to me) BMW 1-Series, since my Audi A3 was getting a bit long in the tooth. I finally decided to pull the trigger on the new car, when I had not 1, but 2 punctures on the same trip. Thanks to the AA, I was recovered, but a journey that should take ~ 2 hours took ~ 12 hours. Again, Thanks, AA...

The first thing to point out then, is check your space saver or spare tire regularly. My space saver was the second tyre to go, and it probably hadn't been checked in almost 20 years. You have been warned.

There are 2 things that I like to have in my car - My music / podcasts and Navigation. This means that I have to start the right apps when I get in the car. Fortunately, the car has bluetooth, so I can run the apps from my phone. No maps on the display, but that is going to require more work. My previous Audi also didn't have a display.

I have a Pixel 7a phone and naturally, I run android. This allows me to use an application called 'Tasker' to automate jobs when things happen. Tasker is only available for Android, so iPhone uses are out of luck here.

What is Tasker?

Tasker is a powerful automation app that allows you to create custom workflows on your Android phone, automating tasks based on various triggers such as time, location, Bluetooth connections, or even sensor data. By using Tasker, you can integrate your phone with your car, enabling your phone to perform actions like launching apps, adjusting settings, and sending automated messages—all without having to lift a finger.

Getting Started with Tasker

To get started with automating your car using Tasker, follow these simple steps:

1. Download Tasker: The app is available on the Google Play Store here.
2. Set Up Bluetooth (or wifi) Connection: Ensure that your car is connected to your phone’s Bluetooth or Wi-Fi network for seamless automation.
3. Install OBD-II Scanner (Optional): If you’re using an OBD-II device for vehicle diagnostics, make sure it's compatible with Tasker through third-party apps.
4. Customize Profiles: Explore Tasker’s profiles to automate your phone’s actions in different driving scenarios. Tailor each profile to your preferences and driving style.

Tasker divides setting up automations in to 4 areas: Profiles, tasks, scenes and vars (or variables). I don't really use scenes in tasker, so I'll skip them for this walkthrough.

Tasks in tasker do the action part of the automation. You can call tasks from other tasks as well. The are a list of steps which

Here are some creative and practical ways to use Tasker to automate tasks in your car:

1. Automatically Launch Navigation Apps When You Start Driving

Say goodbye to manually opening navigation apps every time you start your BMW 1-Series. Tasker can detect when your phone connects to your car’s Bluetooth system and automatically launch your preferred navigation app—whether it’s Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps. Tasker can even load your preset route or destination, getting you on the road faster.

Example:

• Trigger: Bluetooth or wifi connection to your car
• Action: Launch Google Maps with your home address or pre-saved destination

2. Activate Driving Mode to Reduce Distractions

For a safer driving experience, Tasker can automatically activate your phone’s Driving Mode when your BMW 1-Series Bluetooth connection is established. This can include enabling Do Not Disturb mode, lowering your phone's brightness, and launching your preferred music app to get your ride started with your favorite tunes.

Example:

• Trigger: Bluetooth or wifi connection to your car
• Action: Activate Do Not Disturb, launch Spotify or Apple Music, and lower screen brightness

3. Automate Hands-Free Text Responses

While driving, it’s crucial to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Tasker can send automatic replies to text messages or calls when your phone detects that you’re in motion or connected to your BMW’s Bluetooth. This keeps you safe while letting others know that you’re on the road.

Example:

• Trigger: Incoming text message while connected to your car
• Action: Send custom reply: “I’m driving right now, I’ll get back to you soon.”

4. Control Your Car’s Climate with Voice or Tasker

Many modern BMWs, including the 1-Series, come with climate control, but using Tasker, you can take it a step further. Tasker can integrate with your car's smart assistant features, or even control smart home devices via your phone. You can create custom voice commands that activate heating, air conditioning, or adjust seat settings.

Example:

• Trigger: Voice command “Turn on the air conditioning”
• Action: Control your car’s climate settings via your phone’s integration with smart systems

5. Save Your Parking Location Automatically

With the compact size and agile handling of the BMW 1-Series, you might often find yourself parking in new, unfamiliar locations. Tasker can automatically record your parking location every time your phone disconnects from the car’s Bluetooth. You’ll receive a notification with the coordinates of your parking spot, ensuring you never have to worry about finding your car again.

Example:

• Trigger: Disconnection from your car's Bluetooth or wifi
• Action: Save GPS coordinates to your map app, send notification with the parking spot location

6. Integrate with OBD-II for Vehicle Diagnostics

If you’ve connected your BMW 1-Series to an OBD-II Bluetooth scanner, Tasker can help you monitor critical vehicle data, such as engine performance, fuel levels, or tire pressure. Tasker can notify you of any issues or send you diagnostics when something goes wrong, so you can stay on top of your car’s health without needing to visit the mechanic.

Example:

• Trigger: OBD-II device detects engine warning
• Action: Send a notification with the error code and a suggestion for a mechanic

7. Save Fuel with Optimized Route Suggestions

For eco-conscious BMW drivers, Tasker can help by automating route suggestions based on fuel efficiency. When you connect your phone to the car, Tasker can launch apps like Google Maps or Waze and prioritize routes that avoid heavy traffic, construction zones, or other inefficiencies—saving you both time and fuel.

Example:

• Trigger: Bluetooth or wifi connection to your car
• Action: Launch Google Maps with the most fuel-efficient route to your destination

Final Thoughts

Tasker offers incredible potential for car automation, whether you’re trying to make your driving experience safer, more convenient, or just a little more fun. With endless possibilities for customization, Tasker allows you to fine-tune your car’s functionality to suit your needs and preferences.

By taking advantage of Tasker’s powerful automation features, you can ensure that your phone and car work together seamlessly—allowing you to focus on the road while enjoying all the benefits of a connected, smart driving experience.

Ready to start automating your car with Tasker? Get creative, explore the app’s features, and transform your car into a smarter, more efficient vehicle.