Hi Gemma

I work in a small independent garage in my home town in Hampshire. On our reception wall is a notice advising customers that we will not be liable for the cost of repairs due to broken/snapped/sheared bolts, studs etc. This would also apply to spark plugs. The plugs should be changed on a full service, and in your case it looks like they have been in use for much longer than they should've been. Yes I hear what you say the garage actually broke it, but it would've been the straw that broke the camel's back. In short your car has probably not been serviced as often as it should, and this is why a spark plug was tight in the head. Equally it could be said that the technician might've exercised a bit more care but this is always far easier to say than to do, especially after the event. In over thirty years I've never sheared a spark plug off, but I have on several occasions had to soak them in penetrating oil and go very slowly and gently.

It's one of those things, you’re damned if you do, you're damned if you don't. The plug had to come out somehow and at sometime. I don't think you'll win this one but I would try to negotiate a compromise with the garage. It's not all your fault, but due to the nature of the problem I’d say it isn’t all theirs either.....

Thanks so much for your input - I really appreciate it. The garage were very reasonable and dropped the price to £400, so I'm feeling much happier today.

Thanks again

Gemma