All the tire shops I've ever been to will plug radial tires...
I don't think they'd do that here in California if it were not safe... due
to our liability laws here :)

Bill

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Smith" <TSmith5041@aol.com>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, August 21, 2000 7:15 PM
Subject: Re: Important tire saftey

> From what I've heard radial tires should never be plugged but should be
taken
> off, dismounted and hot patched from the inside, to help preserve the
> integrity of the belts. Also, since side walls are thinner than tread
areas
> they shouldn't be patched at all. These are things that I've heard from
> various sources but they make sense to me.
> Also, something unrelated: Brake fluid should be replaced every 2 years as
it
> absorbs moisture which lowers the boiling temp of the liquid and can lead
to
> brake failure during periods of extended braking (Mountain driving). The
> problem is the water turns to vapor which is a compressible gas so the
pedal
> goes to the floor instead of transmitting the foot force thru the
> incompressible brake fluid to the brakes. Also, the water settles in the
> lowest spots (wheel cylinders), causing rust and pitting and they start
> leaking.
> Sorry about rambling on, hope this helps someone.
>
> Tom Smith
> Charlotte, NC
> 83.5 Westie
>