Reading your Arizona story, I had a similar moment at a lone truck stop in Nevada. The key is not just the plug but how you prep the hole and seat it right. I used to doubt them too until I saw a mechanic do it with the right glue and tools. Now I trust a good plug job more than some quick patches from shops. It turns a panic situation into just a minor delay on the road. That kind of self-reliance is worth more than any roadside service plan.

Does cost stop people from ditching grass?

Respect the stance, but from what I've seen, not all sealants are created equal. Some of the newer, latex-based formulas are designed to be less harsh on TPMS sensors and wash out more easily. I've had decent results with them in a pinch, but they're still a temporary fix at best. The key is informing customers about the potential cleanup and sensor risks beforehand.