Feeling the Burn? Why Your Vape Pods Might Be Giving Up the Ghost in Colder Weather

As the temperature drops and we all reach for our woolly jumpers and hot cuppas, you might have noticed something a bit frustrating happening with your vape: your pods seem to be burning out quicker than usual. You're not imagining things! Colder weather can indeed have a sneaky impact on your vaping experience, and a coil prematurely burning out is one of the more annoying consequences.

So, what's the crack? Why does Jack Frost seem to have it in for our vape pods? Let's break down the main culprits:

1. Viscosity Vibes: Thicker E-liquid

Think of your e-liquid a bit like honey. When it's warm, it flows nicely. But when it gets cold, it thickens up, doesn't it? The same thing happens to your vape juice. In colder temperatures, the viscosity of your e-liquid increases. This means it struggles to saturate the wicking material in your coil as efficiently as it does in warmer conditions.

If the wick isn't properly saturated, the coil heats up without enough e-liquid to vaporise, leading to dry hits and, ultimately, a burnt-out coil. It's like trying to cook something in a dry pan – not a good outcome!

2. Chain Vaping in the Cold: A Double Whammy

When it's chilly, you might find yourself taking more frequent puffs to try and replicate the comforting sensation of warmth. This chain vaping puts extra strain on your coil. Combined with the thicker e-liquid struggling to keep up, it's a recipe for a burnt coil disaster. The coil simply doesn't have enough time to re-saturate between puffs.

3. Temperature Swings: Stressing the System

Think about leaving your vape in a cold car overnight and then bringing it into a warm house. These rapid temperature changes can also play a role in coil burnout. The expansion and contraction of the materials within the pod and coil due to these temperature shifts can cause stress and lead to premature failure.

So, What Can You Do About It?

Don't despair! There are a few things you can do to help your vape pods last longer during the colder months:

• Keep Your E-liquid Warm(ish): Try to store your e-liquid and your device in a relatively warm environment. Avoid leaving them in cold cars or outside for extended periods. Keeping your e-liquid at room temperature will help maintain its optimal viscosity.
• Give Your Pod a Break: Try to avoid chain vaping. Give your pod a few extra seconds between puffs to allow the wick to re-saturate properly.
• Consider Higher PG E-liquids: E-liquids with a higher PG (propylene glycol) ratio tend to be less viscous than those with a higher VG (vegetable glycerin) ratio. These might wick more effectively in colder temperatures.
• Prime Your Coils Properly: Always make sure you prime your new coils thoroughly before using them, regardless of the weather. This involves saturating the wicking material with e-liquid and letting it sit for a few minutes.
• Adjust Your Wattage (If Applicable): If your device allows for wattage adjustment, you might consider slightly lowering it in colder weather to put less stress on the coil.

By being a bit more mindful of the impact the cold weather can have on your vaping setup, you can help prolong the life of your pods and keep enjoying a smooth and flavourful vape throughout the winter months. Stay warm and happy vaping!