Tires: Plugging or Patching, tire companies, tire tread

Question
I have been reading on different types of web sites about tire patching and plugging. On some sites, they say not to patch but to plug while others say the complete opposite. Then a few sites even said that both the patch and plug are recommended.  

I recently talked with a local mechanic and he said that tire companies now prefer people buy new tires but that if they do repair them, the plug is okay. He also said that people often refer to plugging as patching.

Which is the better way, plugging or patching, and the reasoning behind it ?

Thank you,
Kristen

Answer
Good question here that most people never ask.

Plug = this is your local tow truck shop that does a quick repair to get you in and out.  Plugs still lose air since the plug is not sealed.  A plug may fall out making a unsafe tire hazard.  ( tire blow out ).

Patch = a good repair that seals and holds air.  But does not fill the hole in the tire tread, leaving the steal belts open to rust.  Can cause the tire to get weak over time.

Patch and plug = best and recommend, and of course, the only way my shop did repairs.  Plug is used to keep belts from rusting and patch to seal the the hole.
This repair is as good as a new tire.

So always ask before getting one done.
John