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.