Eisboch wrote:

wrote in message
...

I've been plugging my own tires (yes, steel belt radials) since I can
remember. I've NEVER had one fail. And that myth about not using them
in sidewalls? I had a puncture in the sidewall of my Jeep tire,
plugged it, ran it for 25,000 miles. It never failed, the tire tread
wore out.

-----------------------------------

I'd say you were lucky.

Using a plug in the tread section of a tire is not a big deal because
the failure mode, (if it fails) is typically a slow leak that is
noticeable.

The problem with using them in the sidewall isn't associated with the
plug. It's the risk that the damage to the sidewall of the tire itself
(from the original cut or hole) compromises the sidewall strength of the
tire. The failure mode is likely to be a sudden and catastrophic
blowout and immediate deflation. Not something you want to happen
tooling down the highway at 65 mph. Tends to send vehicles end over end.

Reputable garages will refuse to even attempt to fix a tire with
sidewall damage.

Eisboch


Just about every legit site on auto repair and tire repair tells readers
NOT to plug sidewalls.

I'd nominate Loogy for a Darwin Award, but he'd probably put it on his
mantel and point to it with pride.