In younger years, I, too, drove many miles on plugged tires.
  Times and tires have changed.  So has my willingness to take such chances with my (and my families) lives. 
  I've had a right rear tire blowout at 70mph, it's the closest to a near-death experience that I've ever been in.  Tread separated from a previous plug repair job.
  I don't even want to go down the highway on old tires that may otherwise look great and still have alot of treadlife left.  
  Liability is a major factor in these modern times.  Ask any professional if this type of fear has any grounds in reality; don't take my word for it.....

Mike B.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Rob 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 8:33 PM
  Subject: Re: Tire Damage Question

  At  10/29/2009 05:14 PM, Mike wrote:
  >
  >   BTW, a plug is not good, as air pressure will work it's way
  > around the plug and get between the plies, ultimately causing tread
  > separation at speed.  Only a patch from the inside is acceptable
  > and even then, NOWHERE near the sidewall or shoulder due to
  > excessive flex that is normal on those areas.
  >
  >   If you do find someone willing to plug/ patch this hole, your
  > surviving family members will know who to sue when it fails...........
  >
  >Mike B.

  I have NEVER had a plug fail like that and I've had a LOT of
  experience with tire plugs (they are not for the sidewall, with that
  damage you are screwed).

  As a plus I can't tell you how delighted I am to see someone use FEAR
  as a selling point for their own particular view point, that was one
  of the reasons I stopped reading the tire threads...

  Rob
  becida@comcast.net
  Western WA state with a Subaru powered '84 Westy