Tire Kingdom, where we go for all tire related needs, will not do plugs anymore. They used to, but a few years ago they quit, and now insist that only way to properly repair a flat, is to patch it from the inside. Not sure if they use a plug in addition, but they always dismount the tire and patch it on the inside when I've been in there for flat repairs.
So, no, I have absolutely no problem with patches. Have had tires patched on a couple different occasions due to collecting a nail or screw, tire has been fine after patching.
..This reminds me of a somewhat related incident I had, with DW's minivan: Had noticed that one tire was loosing air noticeably faster than other 3. I was having to put air in it every couple of weeks. Knew it must have a leak, but I couldnt find any screw or nail in it (they can be difficult to see sometimes). When it went into Kia dealership for oil change last week, I told them to look at the tire and patch as necessary, as it was leaking.
They tell me tire is fine, no leaks in it. I knew they were full of it, as I had personally been having to add 5-10 psi every few weeks. I don't think they bothered to check it. Anyway, I took it over to Tire Kingdom, low and behold, they immediately found a screw in it, pulled it out and patched the tire. Problem solved.
Sometimes, you need to trust your 'gut', and the good ol' tire pressure gauge (or TPMS system), not what a dealership tells you.
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Will and Cheryl
2021 Newmar Baystar 3014 on F53 (7.3 V8) Chassis ("Brook")
2018 Jeep Wrangler JK ("Wilbur")