Alex Boyd is one of our Commercial Content Writers at Parkers. He joined the team in 2023, having previously worked in Content Optimisation for Bauer, and currently specialises in power tools and pressure washers. In addition, he can sometimes be found testing lawnmowers and gardening tools for our sister publication, Modern Gardens, thanks to his efforts at being an enthusiastic but decidedly amateur gardener.
His interest in all things automotive began in childhood with a toy suction steering wheel, a desire to drive a bus, and a fascination with how cars worked. He remains a big fan of the cars of the 1970s and 1980s. His first full-time job was working as an assistant at a local Lada/Vauxhall dealer, but his career path has been anything but predictable. After being considered too accident-prone to be taken on as a mechanic, he trained in electronics and repaired hi-fi systems and televisions before moving to a local TV station to work in their transmission control suit, later becoming a systems engineer. There was then another change in career path as he dipped his toes into the world of journalism and started writing and presenting news bulletins on TV before entering the world of radio, where he wrote and produced radio adverts and presented a daily live radio programme. Remember that childhood desire to drive a bus? Well, he passed his PCV test and worked as a bus driver for a few years, but the lure of writing returned, and he found himself immersed in the automotive team at Bauer.
He loves driving, anything from his first early Mark 2 Ford Escort up to tri-axle double-decker buses and is a lapsed member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists – he’ll re-do the test when he gets time. When the weather allows, he’ll be found pottering in the garden. He’s no expert and is always deliriously surprised when anything he’s planted actually thrives. Travel is another passion, but so far, he’s only visited 26 of the 195 countries in the world – he’d better get a move on, then. Music, reading, DIY and enjoying the odd box set help pass the time when the weather isn’t so good.
The best axle stands for safe car maintenanceOnce, when I was young and started doing my own car servicing and repairs, I thought axle stands were just an extra faff. They just made the job take a...19 Mar 2024
The best smart security cameraOne of the main tools in your garage security arsenal should be some form of visual monitoring and recording to protect the most valuable possessions you keep outside the security...6 Mar 2024
The best emergency bulb kit for light failureSome may see having an emergency bulb kit as a bit of overkill. At best, a failure of your car headlight bulb can be an inconvenience, but the reality is...26 Feb 2024
The best steam cleaners for efficient cleaningScience has developed many amazing chemicals over the years to leave our cars looking bright, shiny and pristine, but the humble steam cleaner is gaining traction in the world of...19 Feb 2024
The best H1 bulbs for your carH1 Bulbs were one of the first halogen automotive bulbs introduced in the early 1960s, bringing a quite noticeable improvement to automotive lighting as it was more efficient and emitted...1 Feb 2024
The best tyre tread depth gaugesInvesting in the best tyre tread depth gauge is a advisable for road safety, especially in the ever-changing weather conditions and variable road surfaces in the UK. When the tread...4 Jan 2024
The best car USB chargersUSB chargers have revolutionised how we power our devices, and car USB chargers now offer us unparalleled convenience and versatility. These compact and adaptable chargers have become an indispensable part...4 Jan 2024
These bargain sat navs will keep you on the right tracks this Black FridayWhy would we want to bring you the best Christmas sat nav deals when most new cars today come with sat nav as standard? Well, there’s your answer – most....6 Dec 2023
The best car seatsWhy are car seats so important? One of our primary concerns when it comes to motoring is safety. That concern takes on a whole new dimension when you find yourself...26 Sept 2023
The best portable coffee makers for campingYou’re on holiday in your campervan; you wake shortly after sunrise at 6:30; you gently raise your head and see the sun’s rays streaming through your window. You have all...21 Sept 2023
The best portable blender for campingWhat’s that, you’ve never considered taking a portable blender as part of your camping cookware? You’ve deprived yourself of delicious and healthy smoothies, protein drinks and soups? Perhaps it’s time...21 Sept 2023
The best window alarms for your garageWhen it comes to car and garage security, we try to make sure our property is protected as well as it can be, but there is one often overlooked part...4 Sept 2023