Before we dive into troubleshooting, let’s quickly recap the basics. E-liquids, or vape juices, are essential to the vaping experience. They are typically composed of four primary ingredients: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavourings, and nicotine (optional). Each component plays a role in your vape's overall performance and satisfaction. Understanding these ingredients can help identify and resolve any issues that may arise.

Leakage is one of the most common issues vapers face, and it can be particularly frustrating. Fortunately, most leaks can be easily remedied with a few adjustments.

Check and Tighten Connections

Loose connections between your tank, coil, and battery can often be the culprit. Ensure all components are screwed together snugly, but avoid over-tightening, as this can damage the seals and threads.

Inspect O-rings and Seals

O-rings and seals are crucial for maintaining a leak-proof system. Over time, these small components can wear out or become displaced. Inspect them regularly and replace any damaged or missing O-rings.

Avoid Overfilling the Tank

Overfilling your tank can cause e-liquid to leak out through the airflow holes. Most tanks have a fill line or a maximum threshold mark. Be sure to fill only to this level to prevent leaks.

Vape at Appropriate Wattage

Vaping at a too high wattage can cause excess heat, leading to more e-liquid being vaporised than can be utilised, resulting in leaks. Make sure to vape within the recommended wattage range for your coil.

Experiencing a burnt taste is one of the quickest ways to ruin a good vaping session. This issue usually stems from problems with the coil or wicking material.

Prime Your Coils

Priming your coils is crucial for preventing burnt hits. Before installing a new coil, apply a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the wicking material and let it soak for a few minutes. This ensures the coil is saturated and helps prevent premature burning.

Allow Time Between Puffs

Chain vaping or taking continuous, rapid puffs can cause the wicking material to dry out faster than it can absorb e-liquid. Allowing a few seconds between puffs gives the wick time to re-saturate.

Use E-Liquids with Adequate VG/PG Ratio

E-liquids with a higher VG content are generally thicker and can be harder for some coils to wick properly, leading to dry hits. Ensure your coil is compatible with the VG/PG ratio of your e-liquid. For sub-ohm vaping, a 70VG/30PG ratio is usually preferred, while higher resistance coils may perform better with a 50/50 blend.

Maintain Clean Coils

Coils can accumulate residue and gunk over time, leading to burnt flavors. To maintain optimal flavour and performance, regularly clean your tank and replace coils as needed.

If you’re noticing weak vapour production or no vapour at all, several factors could be involved, ranging from battery issues to e-liquid viscosity.

Check Battery Levels

A weakened or dead battery can significantly affect vapour production. Ensure your battery is fully charged and functioning correctly. Some devices have battery indicators, which can be useful for monitoring battery life.

Inspect Coil Resistance

Using a coil with the wrong resistance for your device can impact vapour production. Ensure the coil you’re using is within the recommended resistance range for your vape device.

Adjust Airflow Settings

Many vape devices have adjustable airflow options. Too much airflow can lead to weak vapour, while too little can cause a harsh hit. Experiment with the airflow settings to find your ideal balance.

Use the Right E-Liquid

Thicker e-liquids (high VG) may not wick appropriately in devices designed for thinner e-liquids (high PG). Ensure you’re using an e-liquid that matches your device's specifications.

A gurgling or spitting vape is annoying and can detract from the vaping experience. These sounds are typically caused by e-liquid flooding the coil.

Avoid Over-Priming

While priming your coil is essential, over-priming can cause flooding. Be sure to use only a few drops of e-liquid when priming, and ensure it is absorbed before vaping.

Clear Excess E-Liquid

If your tank is flooded, gently shake it or blow through the mouthpiece while covering the airflow holes to clear any excess e-liquid. Do this over a paper towel or sink to catch any expelled liquid.

Use Higher Wattage

Sometimes, gurgling can be resolved by slightly increasing the wattage. This helps vaporise the excess e-liquid more efficiently. However, be cautious not to exceed the recommended wattage range for your coil.

Several factors can cause an off-tasting e-liquid, including the age of the e-liquid, flavour fatigue, or problems with the device.

Check Expiry Date

E-liquids, like any consumable product, have a shelf life. Old or expired e-liquid can taste off or lose its flavour. Always check the expiry date and store e-liquids in a cool, dark place to maintain their quality. Check our expired date e liquids article for a in depth look into e liquids and expiry dates

Clean or Replace Your Coil

A dirty or old coil can severely impact the taste of your vape. To ensure the best flavour experience, regularly clean your tank and replace coils as needed.

Stay Hydrated

Much like the rest of your senses, your taste buds can become fatigued or desensitised, mainly when vaping the same flavour for extended periods. Stay hydrated and consider rotating between different flavours to keep your palate fresh.

Finding the right nicotine strength is crucial for satisfying your cravings without experiencing adverse effects like throat irritation or dizziness.

Adjust Nicotine Levels

If the nicotine level feels too strong, consider lowering it to a more manageable concentration. Conversely, if it feels too weak, you might need a higher nicotine strength to meet your requirements.

Choose the Right E-Liquid

Different e-liquids come in various nicotine strengths, typically ranging from 0mg to 18mg or higher. Nicotine salts—for example, are designed to provide a smoother throat hit at higher concentrations and can be ideal for those seeking a stronger nicotine experience.

Vary Your Vaping Style

Sometimes, adjusting your vaping style can help manage nicotine intake. For example, taking slower, longer inhales rather than quick, sharp drags can provide a more pleasant and controlled nicotine delivery.

From inconsistent hits to error messages, unusual device behaviour can stem from a range of issues, from software problems to hardware malfunctions.

Update Firmware

Many modern vape devices come with firmware that can be updated. Check the manufacturer’s website for any available updates, as these often fix bugs and improve overall performance.

Examine and Clean Contact Points

Ensure all contact points between the battery and the tank or atomiser are clean. Dust, e-liquid residue, or grime can interfere with the connection, causing inconsistent performance.

Factory Reset

If your device offers this option, a factory reset can sometimes resolve unexplainable issues. Refer to your device manual for instructions on how to perform a reset.

Troubleshooting common e-liquid and device-related issues might seem daunting at first, but armed with the right knowledge, you can quickly and effectively address these challenges. By paying attention to factors such as coil priming, e-liquid compatibility, wattage settings, and general device maintenance, you can ensure a consistently satisfying vaping experience.

At Go Smoke Free, we are committed to helping you get the most out of your vaping journey. Should you encounter any persistent issues or need personalised advice, do not hesitate to contact our team of experts. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we are here to assist you every step of the way. Happy vaping!