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Vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking, offering a wide range of flavours and devices that cater to different preferences. However, many vapers, both beginners and experienced users, often make mistakes that can lead to a less enjoyable experience. Whether you're new to vaping or have been doing it for years, avoiding these common pitfalls will help you get the most out of your vape device. Here are some of the most common vaping mistakes and how you can avoid them.

1. Choosing the Wrong Nicotine Strength

One of the most common mistakes vapers make is selecting an inappropriate nicotine strength. If you choose a strength that is too low, you might not satisfy your cravings, leading to frequent vaping or even reverting to smoking. On the other hand, if the nicotine strength is too high, you could experience harsh throat hits or dizziness.

How to Avoid It: If you're switching from smoking, start with a nicotine strength that matches your previous smoking habits. For heavy smokers, higher nicotine strengths like 12mg or 18mg may be suitable, while light smokers might prefer 3mg or 6mg. Nicotine salts are also an option for those seeking a smoother throat hit with higher strengths.

2. Incorrectly Priming the Coil

Failing to prime a new coil properly is a mistake that leads to dry hits and burnt taste, ruining the vaping experience. A coil that is not primed can burn out quickly, costing you money and causing frustration.

How to Avoid It: Before using a new coil, apply a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the wicking material and let it soak for a few minutes. After installing the coil, fill the tank and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before vaping. This ensures that the wick is fully saturated and prevents premature burning.

3. Using the Wrong VG/PG Ratio

E-liquids come in various VG (Vegetable Glycerin) and PG (Propylene Glycol) ratios, which affect the vaping experience. Some vapers use the wrong ratio for their device, leading to issues like leakage or an unsatisfactory throat hit.

How to Avoid It: For pod systems and low-power devices, opt for e-liquids with a higher PG content (e.g., 50/50 VG/PG) for a better throat hit and smoother wicking. For sub-ohm tanks and high-wattage devices, go for high VG e-liquids (e.g., 70/30 VG/PG) to produce bigger clouds and a smoother experience.

4. Overlooking Battery Safety

Ignoring battery safety is a serious mistake that can lead to accidents such as battery venting or even explosions. Many vapers neglect proper storage, overcharging, or using damaged batteries.

How to Avoid It: Always use high-quality batteries from reputable brands and avoid overcharging them. Use a dedicated battery charger rather than charging through the device when possible. Store spare batteries in a battery case and never carry loose batteries in your pocket with metal objects, as this can cause short circuits.

5. Inhaling Incorrectly

Vaping requires a different inhalation technique than smoking. Some beginners inhale too forcefully, which can cause leaking or a harsh throat hit, while others inhale too softly, leading to insufficient vapour production.

How to Avoid It: There are two main inhalation styles—mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL). MTL is similar to smoking, where you draw vapour into your mouth before inhaling it into your lungs. DTL involves inhaling vapour directly into the lungs, which works best with sub-ohm devices. Choose the technique that suits your device and preference.

6. Neglecting Regular Maintenance

Vape devices require regular cleaning and maintenance to function optimally. A dirty tank, clogged coil, or faulty battery connection can lead to poor performance and a diminished vaping experience.

How to Avoid It: Clean your tank regularly by rinsing it with warm water and letting it dry completely. Change coils when you notice a burnt taste or reduced flavour. Wipe battery connections to prevent residue buildup and ensure a solid connection.

7. Chain Vaping

Many vapers, especially beginners, tend to take continuous puffs without giving their device a break. This can cause the coil to overheat and burn out quickly, leading to dry hits and reduced coil lifespan.

How to Avoid It: Allow a few seconds between each puff to let the coil re-saturate with e-liquid. If you find yourself chain vaping due to nicotine cravings, consider increasing the nicotine strength slightly to reduce the need for excessive puffing.

8. Ignoring Hydration

Vaping, particularly with high PG e-liquids, can lead to dehydration. This happens because PG has hygroscopic properties, meaning it absorbs moisture from your body.

How to Avoid It: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you notice symptoms like dry mouth or throat irritation. Staying hydrated will help you enjoy vaping without discomfort.

Conclusion