![Tortilla flat trail](https://cdn2.cdnme.se/5447227/9-3/18_64e61dfc9606ee7f722fb462.png)
![plug a run flat tire plug a run flat tire](http://cpi.studiod.com/www_ehow_com/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/129/115/77005686_XS.jpg)
Tire rack illustrates one in the attached but says it is an improper repair. I can't find a device for a tubeless tire that is purely a patch.
![plug a run flat tire plug a run flat tire](http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/04/20/automobiles/600-tires.jpg)
One has a mushroom shapped head and the other is a combination of a plug and a patch. There are two types of plugs installed from the inside. I'm guessing the OP's plug was installed externally. I just don't like making a hole bigger to repair it. Plugs seem to work well also though and you can't beat the external/easy installation. Patches are superior to plugs but require more work installing. If a tire is to be removed for a plug from the inside why wouldn't they just properly patch it? And you can't plug AND patch a tire at the same time unless you cut the plug flush inside the tire and then it wouldn't have the integrity to act as a plug.
![plug a run flat tire plug a run flat tire](https://www.liveabout.com/thmb/x8Gjdtv-1GewIWs5kV3p_IAs1IY=/1250x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tirefix-1st-tool-56a0556f3df78cafdaa110a6.jpg)
Only holes in the area with tread should be plugged (like the subject tire).
![plug a run flat tire plug a run flat tire](https://fixcarz.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/WhatsApp-Image-2021-11-12-at-20.36.01.jpeg)
No tire should be plugged if the hole is on the sidewall, of course. Either they don't know much or they aren't real honest. If I was told a run flat couldn't be plugged I would be worried about buying tires at that establishment. It's relatively easy for a tire place to tell you to buy a new tire but I don't think it's necessary. They have good equipment and do good work they stand behind. The place my wife got hers plugged is a quality establishment we normally use for tires. There are places that won't plug run flats and places that will. If driving too fast on a run flat damages it then don't plug it. But you shouldn't try and plug a damaged tire regardless of how it got damaged. It might be additional damage to the tire but it also may be that they are worried the car won't handle normally. I know tire manufacturers recommend driving slowly for a short distance if you have a flat with a run flat.
![Tortilla flat trail](https://cdn2.cdnme.se/5447227/9-3/18_64e61dfc9606ee7f722fb462.png)