Android Auto allows customization of the dashboard to display only essential apps, minimizing distractions. Users can force set Day or Night mode for maps by adjusting app settings or unlocking developer options for a consistent theme. To stop automatic music playback, users can disable the "Start music automatically" option in the Android Auto settings and check individual app settings. Notifications can be managed by disabling chimes and customizing their display, or using the "Play Aloud" feature for hands-free alerts. Android Auto can be set to operate while the phone is locked by enabling the relevant setting in Connection Preferences, and users may need to restart their vehicle for changes to take effect.