Customer FAQs: Your Most Asked Vape Questions Answered

Customer FAQs: Your Most Asked Vape Questions Answered

Matthew Abercrombie |

One of the best parts of running a vape shop is chatting to people — whether it’s a quick coil swap, a flavour recommendation, or that customer who pops in for “just one question” and ends up staying an hour.

Over the years, I’ve heard every vape question you can imagine (and a few I wish I hadn’t). So today, I thought I’d round up some of the most common questions we get asked — and answer them all in one place.

If you’re new to vaping or just want to brush up, here’s your friendly cheat sheet!

🔌 Q1: Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?

This one’s top of the list for a reason. That horrible burnt taste usually means your coil’s dried out or fried.

Common causes:

  • You’ve run out of juice
  • You didn’t prime your coil properly
  • You’re chain vaping too fast
  • Your coil’s just old (most last 1–2 weeks)

Quick fix:
Change your coil or pod, make sure you fill it fully, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before vaping.

🧃 Q2: What Strength Nicotine Should I Use?

If you’re switching from smoking:

  • Heavy smoker? Start with 20mg nic salts
  • Social/light smoker? Try 10mg nic salts
  • Sub-ohm vaper chasing clouds? 3mg or 6mg freebase is enough

Still unsure? Start in the middle — you can always adjust up or down. If you want a full guide, check our blog on [Nic Salts vs Freebase]!

🔋 Q3: Why Does My Vape Battery Drain So Fast?

Lithium-ion batteries don’t love heat or cold — and they do wear out over time. If yours suddenly runs flat:

  • Check if you’re overcharging it
  • Make sure you’re not vaping on max wattage unnecessarily
  • Keep it at room temperature — not in the car overnight

Most pod kits have built-in batteries that last 6–12 months with regular use.

🌬️ Q4: Why Am I Coughing When I Vape?

One word: technique. Unlike smoking, vaping works best with a slow, gentle draw — not sharp drags.
Other culprits:

  • Too much nicotine
  • Using strong nic salts in a sub-ohm device
  • Cold or overly menthol flavours

Slow down, drop your nic strength if needed, and drink water — vaping can dry your throat more than you’d expect!

🗑️ Q5: How Should I Get Rid of My Old Disposables?

Big one, especially with the UK’s disposable crackdown. Please don’t bin them!

  • Use battery recycling bins (most supermarkets have them)
  • Bring them back to us — many vape shops run take-back schemes
  • Never throw them in general waste — they contain lithium batteries and leftover nicotine

Read more about safe vape recycling in our How to Recycle Your Disposable Vape guide.

🧩 Q6: Can I Mix Different Flavours?

You can! Lots of people blend similar flavours — like mixing strawberry and watermelon for a fruit punch vibe. Just make sure:

  • They’re the same PG/VG ratio (to avoid weird wicking issues)
  • You like both on their own first — some combos are… questionable. (Looking at you, Blue Razz + Custard.)

🛠️ Q7: How Often Should I Change My Coil?

Rule of thumb:

  • Pod coil/pod: Every 1–2 weeks
  • Sub-ohm tank coil: Every 1–2 weeks, depending on juice sweetness and wattage

If the flavour drops, it gurgles, or it tastes burnt — it’s time.

🚭 Q8: Can Vaping Really Help Me Quit Smoking?

In short: yes — when done right.

A 2024 report from ASH UK shows that 64% of UK vapers are ex-smokers. Vaping mimics the hand-to-mouth habit and gives you nicotine without tar or carbon monoxide — that’s why it works for so many.

Just make sure you’re using the right strength and setup for you. Pop in, and we’ll talk you through it — no pressure.

There’s no such thing as a silly vape question — if you’re wondering about something, trust me, someone’s asked it before. Whether it’s your first puff or you’re tweaking your setup, we’re here to help.

Got a question I missed? Drop us a message or pop into the shop!

Disclaimer: This FAQ is for general information only and reflects the experience of a UK vape shop owner. Always follow your device instructions and vape responsibly.

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