Vaping continues to grow in popularity among nicotine users in all age groups, especially young people who are drawn to the variety of flavors, convenience, and reduction in antisocial properties like a lingering smell.
Older smokers are also making the switch to vapes because they are considered by many to be less harmful to users than traditional cigarettes, are more discreet, and don't leave a smell on a user's body.
While it’s easy to know when you’re running low on some reusable vapes because they have a screen that will tell you about traditional cigarettes or nicotine pouches because the packet is nearly empty, disposable vapes can be harder to figure out.
If you don’t grab a new one, you could be left with a nasty taste in your mouth that may even pose health risks. Here, we look at ways to know if your vape is running low and how to guarantee a smoother vaping experience.
How to Know When Your Disposable Vape Is Almost Empty
Most disposable vapes have three main parts: the battery, coil, and e-liquid reservoir. The battery heats the coil, which heats the liquid to provide the vapor you inhale. The lifespan of a disposable vape varies between brands.
If you purchase a more expensive disposable vape with larger e-liquid capacities or a bigger battery, it’s likely to last longer than a smaller, cheaper vape. The quality of the e-liquid inside will also be better in premium products, which are safer for you and will last longer.
Signs Your Disposable Vape Is Running Low
Decreased vapor production
If you're taking a hit on your disposable vape and suddenly notice less vapor hitting your mouth and lungs than usual, it might be time to buy a new one. Or, if you're getting one good hit followed by a weaker one, this could be another sign that the e-liquid inside is running low.
Reduced flavor quality
Is that fruity flavor from your vape suddenly lacking? Or worse, has the dreaded burnt taste arrived? If so, it’s time to ditch the vape and get a new one because a burnt vape can cause respiratory problems, lung issues, and excessive coughing, but it may expose you to harmful chemicals like Vitamin E acetate, formaldehyde, and diacetyl.
Shorter puffs
The consistency of puffs may also decrease when a vape is nearing the end of its life. Keep an eye on the size of plumes and whether they are still as big as they were when you first bought the vape, as this is a sign you may need to buy a new one.
Gurgling or crackling sounds
Your vape may even give you an audio signal that it’s running low. Listen out for a gurgling or crackling sound that will indicate the e-liquid is running low inside the coil and a new vape is required. You may even notice leakage as the vape reaches its last few puffs.
Battery-Related Signs Your Vape Is Almost Empty
Battery flashing or blinking
Some vapes will signal when the battery is running low, indicating a replacement is required because you can’t switch the battery alone in most disposable vapes. The battery must work appropriately for the coil to reach high enough temperatures to turn the e-liquid into vapor.
Battery life in relation to e-liquid consumption
Sometimes, a battery may keep going long after the e-liquid inside has run out. Puffs vary in size and length, so it’s hard for manufacturers to match the battery length with the amount of e-liquid inside. In these cases, you must monitor the other indicators to know when to ditch the vape.
Physical Signs of a Low E-Liquid Level
Visual inspection of the vape
Transparent vapes are more straightforward to check for low e-liquid, as you can tilt the vape and see how much is left in the tank.
Tilt test
The tilt test is a simple test where you slowly tilt a vape to see if there is any movement of the e-liquid inside.
Leaks or stains on the mouthpiece
Another visual inspection you can do is around the mouthpiece. If you notice there are leaks or stains after use, this may mean the disposable vape is running low.
What to Do When Your Disposable Vape Is Almost Empty
How to make the most of your remaining e-liquid
If you’re stranded without a smoke shop or gas station nearby to purchase a new vape, there are a few ways you can make your vape last longer. You can try sucking more gently than usual on the disposable vape to avoid burning out the coil and leading to that nasty burnt taste. Or, go longer between puffs to eke out the last remaining e-liquid until you can get out and get a new one.
When to replace your vape
It’s difficult to pinpoint when to get a new vape, as you don’t want to ditch a perfectly good device before it becomes unusable. However, you don’t want to leave it too long and hit a burnt-out vape, either.
Keep an eye on the telltale signs like shorter puff lengths and leakage, and replace them when these increase. Instead of throwing your used vape in the regular trash, look out for a Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) trash can at the recycling center so it is disposed of properly.
Conclusion
Disposable vapes will give you signs that you need a replacement. Not only will you notice a decrease in vapor production, but the flavor and length of each puff may also decrease. If you can’t replace it straight away, take shorter hits and try to go longer between them to make your vape last a bit longer.
Leave a comment (all fields required)