Nail in the tire. Which method does tire shops use for repair?

[inNout]

This seems to be the proper way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QR1vag1N9Q

This seems to be the quick fix.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0jcd6GvMIc

If the shop is using method #2, I'd rather do it myself. Do you know what method Discount Tire or Les Schwab uses?

[charlesml3]

So this question is likely to start a religious debate. Here's what you have:

Method #1: Vulcanize a patch from the inside.

Method #2: Plug it from the outside with a kit from the auto parts store.

Now there will be a lot of people that'll say for a Z-rated tire, it's #1. No further discussion. There is some logic around that. A Z-rated tire is built to much higher tolerances and therefore a plug from the outside has no business there. Fair enough.

Almost none of the tire shops will do a plug (#2) anymore. They make a lot more money with a vulcanized patch and they know it's pretty much a permanent repair. They just don't leak at all afterwards. You might find some random gas station that'll do one.

That said, I have plugged a Z-rated tire. It was on a Porsche and the tires were already worn. I knew I was replacing all 4 tires soon and I didn't track the car. The plug got me through six more months until it was time to replace all of the tires.

-Charles