Frequently Made Errors by Newcomers to Vaping

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As people embark on their vaping journey, they often run into issues. After only a few days, their vape devices might stop working. The root of this issue is generally not the quality of the vape device, but rather, some common mistakes made by beginners. Let's delve into these in detail:

Ignoring Battery Safety

Battery safety is something that every vaper, regardless of experience level, needs to take into consideration. If you’re not careful, mishandling vape batteries could lead to potential dangers. It’s essential to use the right type of battery for your vape device and to ensure it’s properly charged before use.

Avoid using batteries with any visible damage, such as dents or tears in the casing. Always use a designated vape battery charger instead of any random USB cable, as an incompatible charger may lead to overcharging. When not in use, batteries should be stored in a non-conductive, secure container to prevent accidental short-circuiting.

Setting the Wrong Temperature or Wattage

Temperature or wattage control can greatly affect your vaping experience. If you set the temperature or wattage too high, it could result in dry hits, a burnt taste, or even damage to your vape device. If set too low, it could lead to insufficient vapor production or a weak flavor.

For newcomers, it might take a bit of trial and error to find the sweet spot that gives you the best vaping experience. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find the perfect setting immediately, and remember that it can vary depending on the e-liquid and the device you're using.

Not Priming the Coil

Another common mistake made by new vapers is not priming the coil before using it. Priming a new coil ensures that the wick is fully saturated with e-liquid before you start vaping, which prevents dry hits and extends the lifespan of your coil.

To prime a coil, add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton in the coil. Then, fill the tank with e-liquid and let the device sit for a few minutes before starting to vape. This will allow the e-liquid to fully saturate the coil, providing a better vaping experience from the start.

Inhaling Incorrectly

New vapers often inhale as if they're smoking a traditional cigarette, which can be less satisfying and even uncomfortable when vaping. Most vape devices are designed for either mouth-to-lung (MTL) or direct-to-lung (DTL) inhaling.

MTL vaping is similar to the way one smokes a cigarette, where you first draw the vapor into your mouth and then inhale it into your lungs. On the other hand, DTL vaping involves inhaling the vapor directly into your lungs, like taking a deep breath. Depending on the type of device and your personal preference, your inhaling method may vary. Learning the correct technique can greatly enhance your vaping experience.

Excessive Vaping and Forceful Puffs

Many newbies to vaping are trying to transition from smoking, which means they are used to taking frequent, hard puffs, also known as 'chain vaping'. It's quite normal for a smoker to puff consistently. While this might be fine when smoking, it's detrimental to the vaping experience, primarily due to the way vape devices work.

Inside the vape coil, there's a wick that gets wet with e-juice. If you constantly take hard puffs, the wick doesn't get enough time to re-soak in the e-juice, which can result in a burnt wick. This continuous vaping will not only reduce the life of your coil but will also make your vaping experience unpleasant due to a burnt taste.

Furthermore, chain vaping could lead to an overconsumption of nicotine, causing symptoms like dizziness, nausea, fatigue, constipation, dry mouth, headache, or a sore throat. Taking hard puffs can also result in a 'dry hit' - a scenario where the wick doesn't have enough time to soak in e-liquid, resulting in burnt cotton instead of vaporized e-liquid.

Incorrect E-Liquid Selection

A plethora of e-liquids is available in the market, and vape beginners often end up selecting the wrong ones. Knowledge of the PG/VG ratio, flavorings, and the nicotine level of your chosen e-liquid is crucial.

Sweet e-juices, such as dessert-flavored ones, can create a build-up on your coil. This is because sweeteners caramelize and accumulate as residue, damaging the coil over time. E-liquids with a high VG (vegetable glycerin) content are thicker than those with high PG (propylene glycol), leading to quicker gunk build-up on the coil. Therefore, if you're a fan of sweet e-liquids, you might need to replace your coils more frequently and clean your vape devices more regularly.

The nicotine content in your e-liquid is another factor to consider. If you're using a sub-ohm tank, it's advisable to choose e-juices with lower nicotine content to prevent an excessive intake of nicotine, which could lead to unpleasant side effects.

Failing to Refill Your Tank

Running your vape device with a tank that's less than 50% full can lead to dry hits, especially when your device is placed horizontally. This occurs because the cotton wick may not be fully saturated if there isn't sufficient e-liquid in the tank.

Tank leakage is another issue that can occur when the tank is horizontally placed. E-juice may leak through the airflow holes or the gap between the o-ring and base hardware, creating a mess and wasting your e-liquid.

Subjecting Your Vapes to Extreme Conditions

Although vape devices are generally safe, their batteries require appropriate maintenance and care. Exposing your device to extreme temperatures, either too hot or too cold, can lead to performance issues and even potential safety hazards. Direct sunlight, proximity to stoves or candles, are particularly damaging.

Additionally, if you have children, it's important to store your vape devices out of their reach. Many vape devices feature a fire button or wattage adjustment button that could pose a risk if tampered with by a child. Always ensure your devices are stored in a child-safe manner to prevent any unfortunate accidents.

Neglecting to Clean the Tank

If you've replaced your old coil with a new one, but the device doesn't function properly after a few days, a dirty tank might be the culprit. Over time, residue from the e-juice can accumulate in the tank and caramelize, leading to malfunctioning. Regular cleaning of the tank is essential for maintaining the optimal performance of your vape device.

Vaping with Aged Coils

Beginner vapers often overlook the importance of changing the coils in their devices. Coils aren't designed to last forever; their lifespan depends on how often you vape. If you start to notice less vapor production, a burnt taste, spoiled flavor, or gurgling sounds, it's likely time to replace your coil."

Remember, each vape device is different, and it might take some time to get used to it. By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll be well on your way to having a more enjoyable and satisfying vaping experience.