The global e-cigarette and vaping market has rapidly grown, partly driven by the rising demand for alternatives to traditional smoking. Furthermore, more people, especially young adults, are now turning to vaping as the anti-smoking campaigns/programs intensify.
And for many new and experienced vapers, it’s a common feeling to expect a smooth and easy ride when you start using vape cartridges.
That said, the device is easy to use, and the cartridge comes prefilled, yet you may still experience usage issues within the first few days.
For example, a burnt taste, weak vapor hits, or even clogged airflow are problems you’re bound to run into quite often. And in most cases, the issue is not the cartridge itself, but rather a few common mistakes in how the cartridge is handled or used.
Knowing how your cartridges function can help avoid wasted oil and disappointment.
Below, we look at 5 common mistakes to avoid with vape cartridges.
Contents
1. Using the Wrong Battery or Voltage Settings
The most common mistake is when a cartridge is used with the incorrect battery, or when too high a voltage is applied.
Most cartridges work optimally with a standard 510-thread battery, which provides regulated power. But with high voltage, the heating coil inside the cartridge can burn the oil too quickly, resulting in an unpleasant taste and possible wick damage.
When using a CBD vape cartridge, it’s advisable to stick to low to moderate voltage as it’s known to produce the best results. Low power lets the oil heat gradually instead of scorching it. That protects the terpene profile and keeps each draw smooth.
Also, do not attach cartridges to high-powered box mods made for larger tanks. These devices often push far more wattage than a cartridge can handle. Use a battery made for cartridges and start on the lowest setting. Gradually increase power until vapor feels balanced and smooth.
2. Taking Long or Aggressive Draws
Vape cartridge systems rely on much smaller airflow channels and tiny heating elements. If you take too long a pull, or if you pull too hard, then the coil will heat faster than the oil can absorb it.
This creates a burnt taste and can also flood the airway. A flooded airway may cause the oil to leak down into the central airflow tube, which makes the cartridge feel like it’s blocked. Short, slow hits work best. Take a slow 2-3 second inhale, letting the coil warm the oil slowly and keeping the vapor smooth with no wick being oversaturated.
Another trick is to give the cartridge a couple of seconds in between hits. This allows your wick to reabsorb some oil from the chamber, and by keeping this kind of rhythm, you’ll protect your heating element and extend the life of the cartridge.
3. Storing Cartridges in the Wrong Position
How you store your cartridges will directly affect performance. Most people throw their vape in a pocket or bag without thinking about it. However, if a cartridge is left on its side or upside down for an extended period of time, the oil can move away from the intake holes.
This is called a dry hit, which burns the wick and causes everything to taste harsh. Storing cartridges upright is best. It ensures the oil stays settled at the bottom of the chamber around the intake holes. With a good seal, this position also keeps oil out of the central airflow tube.
Temperature is also a factor. Storing cartridges in cold temperatures can thicken the oil, making it difficult for the wick to absorb. On the other hand, hot temperatures make the oil thin, leading to possible leaking. A cool room temperature area keeps the oil at a stable consistency.
4. Not Paying Heed to Initial Clogging Signs
Clogging is a regular issue with many users. It usually begins on a minor note but escalates if you ignore it. If you experience a mild draw resistance or an almost inaudible gurgling noise, consider it an alert indicating that oil has started to accumulate in the air path.
This can occur if oil condenses in the mouthpiece area or has migrated into the center tube. If you keep on pulling harder to force airflow, the problem can worsen.
Rather than pulling harder, some easy steps can be taken to clear the airway. Holding the cartridge upright and taking a few gentle puffs without pressing the button will generally shift any oil back into the chamber.
Some users also warm the cartridge slightly by holding it in their hands for a minute. This softens the oil and helps it settle properly. Addressing clogs early prevents losing oil and ensures smooth draws throughout the entirety of using the cartridge.
5. Trying To Refill Cartridges Not Designed For Refilling
Some people will try to take a cartridge and open it up after the oil is gone, thinking that they can now refill the empty cartridge and save themselves some money. However, most prefilled cartridges are not designed to be reused in this way.
Their seals and airflow systems were specifically built to accommodate one fill cycle. This means opening the cartridge can damage the seal around the mouthpiece. Once that seal is loosened, oil might seep into the battery connection or airflow tube.
Refilling will also introduce air bubbles and contaminants into the chamber. These have the potential to disturb the wick’s absorption of oil—it wants it to be damn-near-perfectly even.
Another issue arises when people refill with a different thickness of oil. Vape cartridges are designed around a specific viscosity. Oil that is too thick struggles to reach the coil, while thin oil may leak or flood into the air flow.
Conclusion
As simple as a vape cartridge might seem, it’s a precise system that can lead to a flawless experience when used correctly. In most cases, the issues users experience aren’t directly because of the cartridge; they’re due to small habits that affect airflow, heating, or oil movement.
Pay attention to the above shared mistakes and make the necessary adjustments to ensure your vape cartridge serves you as it was intended. Once these habits become routine, vape cartridges tend to perform more consistently and last longer.