Essential Guide to Vape Maintenance: Top 10 Tips for Optimal Vaping
In the world of vaping, a well-maintained device is key to enjoying a smooth and satisfying experience. To get the best out of your vape and to keep it in top working condition, it is essential to follow a few crucial maintenance steps. These easy to follow routine tasks will improve the flavour of your e-liquid, keep you safe while vaping, prolong the lifespan of your vape coils and batteries, and provide the best possible vape sessions without any complications.
A few simple vaping device maintenance steps and care processes every once in a while will have your vape kit performing at its best, and will save you money in the process. Whether you’re using a pod vape kit or a powerful sub-ohm box mod, the same basic maintenance tasks apply to give you the best possible vaping experience.
Our essential guide to vape maintenance will provide vital information, and a range of vape care tips to keep your device in top condition and help preventing vape device issues. If you’re looking for the ultimate performance, best flavour and vapour production with every puff, join us as we delve deeper.
Top 10: Vape Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your vaping device in top working condition. Join us as we run through our top 10 vape maintenance tips to keep your kit and e-liquid in good working condition, for the ultimate vaping experience.
1. Regularly replace your vape coils (every 1-2 weeks)
Vape coils are a consumable product that need replacing regularly to maintain top performance. The lifespan of vape coils varies based on heat, coil resistance, type of coil (wire or mesh), type of e-liquid and the frequency that you vape. Generally vape coils will last up to 2 weeks, but this can be reduced for heavy vapers and increased for light/social vapers.
If you notice your e-liquid has darkened in colour, the coil tastes burnt, your vape gurgles/bubbles, the flavour is muted, your vape is leaking, and vapour production is reduced, these are signs that you may need to replace your vape coils.
2. Don’t let your e-liquid levels run too low
To prolong the life of your vape coils, it is essential not to let your e-liquid levels drop too low. Cotton inside the coil feeds the e-liquid to the coil to be heated. If the cotton wicking material isn’t sufficiently saturated with e-liquid this will lead to your coils burning. Always keep your e-liquid levels topped up above the e-liquid inlets of the coils to prolong the lifespan of your coils. If your device features a clear viewing window, regularly take a glance to see if you have enough vape juice inside your pod or tank and top up e-liquid levels where necessary.
When using a new coil, it is essential to fill your tank or pod with e-liquid and wait up to 10 minutes for the vape juice to saturate and fully soak the cotton inside your coil. When heat is applied to the coil, this will ensure it doesn’t burn out.
Prime your coil by adding a few drops (3-5) of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton wicking ports of your coil to ensure the wick is fully saturated. Thicker VG e-liquids will generally take longer for saturation when compared to thinner PG e-liquids.
3. Don’t overfill your pod or tank with e-liquid
Overfilling your pod or tank with too much e-liquid can cause it to leak. In the UK most tanks and pods are able to hold up to 2ml of e-liquid, and most will feature a max fill line to help avoid over saturation. Exceeding the max fill line will cause the e-liquid to escape and leak out.
Read the instruction manual supplied with your vape hardware for correct e-liquid filling techniques. If e-liquid enters the central airflow tube or chimney of the pod or tank, this can cause leaking and result in e-liquid entering your mouth when inhaling on the mouthpiece of your device.
4. Clean your pod or tank every time you replace the coils
Whilst cleaning your tank or pod after every coil replacement isn’t compulsory, its good practice. All the parts that make up your tank or vape pod can be easily disassembled for cleaning.
Use a cotton wool bud, kitchen roll, washing up liquid and warm water to clean the entire pod or tank, and ensure to clean the mouthpiece or drip tip as this section harbours the most germs and bacteria.
5. Look after your vape battery
A well looked after vape battery, will often mean a well performing vape battery.
Vape kits feature either an internal or external battery to power the device. Built-in batteries can be charged using a charging cable supplied with the kit or mod. Always follow the manufacturers guides for safe charging.
Modern rechargeable vape kits with integrated batteries most commonly feature additional safety features including; overcharge protection, over-time protection, short circuit protection and overheat protection to name a few. These integrated safety features are designed to prevent any issues. Stressing the importance of always buying genuine vape products from reputable suppliers.
If you are using external batteries it is essential to store them in a carrying case or protective sleeve to prevent them from getting damaged. Keep your vape batteries away from metal objects to prevent them from venting, which can be extremely dangerous.
When using dual external battery devices, always charge lithium-ion batteries (18650, 21700) in pairs. If using a new and old battery at the same time, one of the batteries will do most of the work, and do not exceed their voltage.
Check your batteries regularly for any damage, rust, corrosion or tears to the battery sleeve. If you suspect any damage, stop using them immediately and purchase replacements from a reputable vape store. In extreme cases, damaged batteries can overheat causing serious injury, catch fire and even explode.
Dispose of your used or damaged batteries safely in a battery disposal bin, or drop them off at your local battery recycling facility so the precious materials can be reused over again.
For more information about Battery Safety read our battery safety tips for vaping here.
6. Use the correct charger
Always use the charger supplied with your kit where possible to do so. Avoid using a mobile phone charger to charge your vape battery as they are designed to provide a high power output which can damage your battery, or worse create a fire hazard.
Regularly inspect your charging cable (micro USB or Type-C USB) for signs of wear or damage. Always avoid using a damaged charger, avoid fake devices and fake chargers.
7. Don’t overcharge your vape battery
Never leave your vape charging overnight, unattended or for prolonged periods of time. Overcharging your vape can damage the battery, decrease lifespan and possibly present a fire risk. Many modern kits feature built-in over charge protections which senses when too much voltage is being channelled to the battery. But never risk it!
8. Store your e-liquid correctly
When manufactured, e-liquids generally have a shelf life of around 2 years. Once the bottle is opened, this can be reduced to around 6 months. Our e-liquid storage advice, in order to get the best out of your e-liquid is to store your vape juice at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.
Always store your e-liquids locked up in a safe place out of the reach from children and pets. Most e-liquids contain nicotine which can make a child or pet very ill or even kill them.
9. Store your e-cigarette correctly
As mentioned above, nicotine containing products must be stored locked up in a safe place away from children and pets. Store your vape kit away from extreme temperatures, out of direct sunlight and away from moisture (in a cool, dry place).
If carrying your vape in your pocket or bag, remove any metal objects (coins, keys) as this can cause your device to short circuit. Consider using a carry case or lanyard to protect your vape kit while not being used.
10. Keep your battery terminal clean
Regularly wipe the contacts that connect the coil to the battery. E-liquid build-up on the vape battery terminals can lead to your device auto-firing, decreasing the lifespan of your battery and affect vaping performance.
To clean the terminals use a dry scrunched up piece of dry kitchen roll or a cotton wool bud and wipe the inside and outside of the connection points and remove any e-liquid build-up or residue. The connection points are made from metal and can start to rust or corrode if left coated in e-liquid for extended periods of time.
