Vaping is getting more popular in the UK, especially for people who are trying to quit smoking. But beginners often make some simple vaping mistakes that can ruin the experience, damage their devices, or even make it feel worse than smoking.
Are new to vaping? This simple guide will help you avoid the most common vaping mistakes beginners make in the UK.
Whether you’re just starting or trying to improve your experience, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy a smoother, safer, and more satisfying journey.
Here Are the Top 10 Vaping Mistakes Beginners Make. And How to Avoid Them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Vape Kit
One of the biggest mistakes many beginners pick up is the wrong vape device—either too powerful, too complex, or simply not suited for their vaping goals.
What Happens:
- Gets frustrating quickly
- Wastes money
- Causes poor vape satisfaction
Solution:
Start with a pod system or a starter vape kit UK. These are built for ease, especially for people switching from smoking. Check out our guide to beginner vape kits.
2. Picking the Wrong E-Liquid
Not all e-liquids are the same. Many beginners choose cheap vape juice or the wrong nicotine strength and then wonder why it doesn’t feel right.
Problem:
- Harsh throat hit
- No nicotine satisfaction
- Burnt coil due to high VG
Fix:
Use nicotine salt e-liquid UK for smoother delivery and faster satisfaction. Choose 10mg for light smokers and 20mg for heavy users.
3. Vaping Like a Cigarette
This is the most common and damaging mistake. Vaping isn’t the same as smoking. Many beginners puff hard and fast like a cigarette, which can cause dry hits or make them cough.
Symptoms:
- Coughing a lot
- Burnt coil taste
- Leaking pod
Pro Tip:
Vaping is smoother and slower. Take long, steady draws. For mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices, don’t inhale forcefully.
4. Using the Wrong Nicotine Strength
If the nicotine level is too low, you’ll feel unsatisfied. If it’s too high, it might make you dizzy or give you a headache.
Rule of Thumb:
- Smoked 5-10 cigarettes? Try 10mg
- Smoked 15–20? Start with 20mg.
Test and adjust your levels until it feels right.
Tip: Light smokers can start with 10mg. Heavy smokers may need 20mg to feel the same satisfaction. You can always adjust later.
5. Not Priming the Coil
Many newbies install a new coil and immediately start vaping. This burns the coil instantly.
What to Do:
- Let the e-liquid soak in for 10 minutes
- Add 2-3 drops directly on the coil
This ensures the coil is fully saturated and ready.
Tip: Always prime the coil by letting the e-liquid soak in for 5–10 minutes before using. For extra care, add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the coil.
6. Chain Vaping Too Much
Taking puff after puff with no breaks can overheat the coil and burn the cotton, leading to a dry or burnt taste.
Results:
- Burnt taste
- Reduced coil life
- Overheating issues
How to Fix:
Take a break of 30 seconds between puffs. Let the coil cool down and wick properly before hitting again.
7. Not Cleaning the Vape Device
Gunk builds up in your tank, airflow holes, and drip tip. This can affect flavour and spread bacteria.
Fix This By:
- Rinsing the tank weekly
- Using a cotton swab for tight spaces
- Avoiding tap water on electrical parts
Tip: Rinse the tank and mouthpiece with warm water every few days. Wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
8. Buying Cheap or Fake E-Liquids
Low-quality or fake e-liquids can damage your coil, taste horrible, and might even be harmful to inhale.
Dangers:
- Harsh hits
- Coil gunk buildup
- Health risks
Always Buy From:
Trusted UK vape shops or verified online stores. Read reviews. Look for certification labels. Never buy vape juice from unverified sellers.
9. Ignoring Battery Safety
Some beginners use the wrong charger or overcharge their devices. This can shorten battery life or even cause safety issues.
Stay Safe:
- Always use the charger that comes with your device.
- Never charge overnight
- Don’t vape if the battery wrap is torn
10. Not Doing Enough Research
Vaping involves devices, liquids, safety, and technique. Many new vapers just dive in without understanding the basics, leading to wasted money and poor experiences.
Learn the Basics:
- Follow trusted blogs like DragNVapes
- Watch UK-based tutorials
- Join local forums or Reddit groups
Follow reliable vape blogs (like DragNVapes!). You’ll avoid frustration and learn to enjoy vaping the right way.
Extra Tips: Mistakes Experienced Vapers Should Avoid
-
Don’t overfill your pod: Adding too much e-liquid can cause leaks and block airflow, making it hard to vape smoothly.
-
Check device parts before mixing: Using the wrong coil, pod, or tank can damage your vape.
-
Keep your device updated: For advanced vape mods, check for firmware updates for better performance.
Smart Vaping Tips for UK Users
-
Stick to the TPD rules – only use 10ml e-liquid bottles and tanks no larger than 2ml.
-
Don’t vape in public places where it’s not allowed, like buses or public buildings.
-
Buy from trusted UK brands or sellers to make sure your vape is safe and follows UK laws.
Learn more: Check our blog post on Disposable Vapes.
FAQ: Vaping Mistakes and Fixes
Q. Is it bad to vape too often as a beginner?
Yes. Chain vaping can burn coils and cause throat irritation. Take breaks between puffs.
Q. Can I use high VG juice in a pod system?
No. Most pods work best with 50/50 or nicotine salts. High VG can burn the coil quickly.
Final Thoughts
Vaping can be a great alternative to smoking – it should feel better, be more affordable, and be cleaner too. But only if you avoid these common mistakes.
Choosing the right vape kit, using the right e-liquid, and keeping your device clean make a huge difference. Take your time to learn, start simple, and always buy from reliable sources.
For more expert tips, product reviews, and the latest UK vape trends, check out our blog at DragNVapes — your trusted guide in the vaping world. Stay safe, vape smart, and enjoy the journey.
