Starting your vaping journey can be exciting, especially if you're making the switch from smoking cigarettes. But, like with anything new, there’s a learning curve. Many beginners experience some common hiccups—burnt hits, leaky tanks, weak vapor, and confusion about devices or e-liquids. Sound familiar?

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, don’t worry—you’re not alone. This blog is here to walk you through the most common issues new vapers face, answer your burning questions, and help you get the most out of your vape from day one.

Getting Started: Understanding Vaping Basics

Before diving into the problems, it helps to know what vaping actually is. At its core, vaping is the act of inhaling vapor produced by a vape device (also called an e-cigarette). The device heats up a liquid—called e-liquid or vape juice—which usually contains nicotine, flavoring, and a base mixture of VG (vegetable glycerin) and PG (propylene glycol).

There are two main vaping styles:

• Mouth-to-Lung (MTL): Similar to smoking a cigarette—you draw the vapor into your mouth first, then inhale it into your lungs. Great for beginners.
  

• Direct-to-Lung (DTL): Inhale directly into your lungs, like taking a deep breath. This style uses more powerful devices and creates bigger clouds.
  

Now, let’s tackle the issues that tend to frustrate new vapers the most.

Not Getting Enough Nicotine Satisfaction

One of the biggest reasons people switch to vaping is to quit smoking. But if you don’t feel satisfied, you might be tempted to light up again. Here’s what might be going wrong:

Possible Causes:

• Low nicotine strength: If you were a heavy smoker and your vape juice has a low nicotine level (like 3mg or 6mg), it might not be enough.
  

• Wrong nicotine type: There are two types—freebase nicotine and nicotine salts. Salts are absorbed faster and feel smoother, making them ideal for beginners.
  

• Incompatible device: Using a sub-ohm (high-power) vape with low-strength e-liquid won’t give you the same “kick” as a high-resistance MTL device with nic salts.
  

How to Fix It:

• Try nicotine salts with 20mg strength if you’re a recent smoker.
  

• Use a low-wattage pod system designed for nicotine salts.
  

• Experiment with different strengths until you find the “sweet spot.”
  

Harsh Throat Hit or Coughing

Coughing while vaping is super common at first. Your body is adjusting, and your technique might need tweaking.

Why It Happens:

• High PG juice: Propylene glycol gives a stronger throat hit. Some people are sensitive to it.
  

• Too much nicotine: High nicotine can feel harsh, especially in a powerful device.
  

• Inhaling incorrectly: Don’t hit a vape like you’d take a deep breath. Slow and steady wins here.
  

Solutions:

• Try a higher VG e-liquid (like 70/30 VG/PG) for smoother vapor.
  

• Lower your nicotine strength or switch to nicotine salts.
  

• Use the Mouth-to-Lung technique: draw into your mouth first, then inhale.
  
  

Leaking Vape Devices

Nothing is worse than pulling your vape out of your pocket only to find e-liquid all over your hand or clothes. Leaks are annoying but often easy to prevent.

Common Reasons:

• Overfilling the tank
  

• Laying your vape flat
  

• Worn-out o-rings or seals
  

• Improper coil installation
  

• Using the wrong e-liquid (too thin or too thick)
  

How to Prevent Leaks:

• Don’t fill the tank to the brim—leave a small air gap.
  

• Always store your vape upright.
  

• Regularly clean your tank and check for broken seals.
  

• Use the correct coil and e-liquid for your device (MTL = thinner juice, like 50/50; DTL = thicker, like 70/30 VG).
  

Burnt Taste or Dry Hits

If you’ve ever taken a puff and felt like your throat caught on fire, you’ve had a dry hit. Burnt hits are even worse—they taste like charred cotton and can ruin your coil.

Causes:

• Chain vaping (not giving the coil time to re-saturate)
  

• Vaping with low e-liquid in the tank
  

• Coil not primed properly
  

• The wattage set too high
  

Fixes:

• Let your coil soak in e-liquid for 5–10 minutes before the first puff.
  

• Avoid puffing too quickly in succession.
  

• Keep your tank topped up above the minimum fill line.
  

• Stay within the recommended wattage range on the coil label.
  

Weak Vapor Production

New vapers sometimes worry that their vape isn’t working properly because it’s not making big clouds. But not all devices are designed for that.

Consider:

• Device type: Small pod systems or pen-style vapes produce less vapor by design.
  

• Low power: Check if your battery needs charging.
  

• Incorrect VG ratio: VG makes more vapor. A low-VG juice won’t cloud up much.
  
  

What You Can Do:

• Use e-liquid with higher VG if you want thicker clouds.
  

• Make sure your coil is in good shape.
  

• Upgrade to a DTL device if cloud-chasing is your goal.
  
  

Coil Life and Replacement

Your coil is the heart of your vape. It heats up the liquid and turns it into vapor. But it doesn’t last forever.

Signs It’s Time to Change Your Coil:

• Burnt taste even with a full tank
  

• Gurgling sounds
  

• Decrease in vapor production
  

• E-liquid tastes off or dull
  

How Often Should You Change It?

• Light vapers: Every 2–3 weeks
  

• Regular vapers: Every 1–2 weeks
  

• Heavy vapers: Weekly or more often
  

Always prime a new coil by putting a few drops of e-liquid directly on the cotton before installing it.

Battery and Charging Questions

Battery problems are frustrating and sometimes concerning. Let’s cover some basics:

Common Questions:

Q: Can I leave my vape charging overnight?
A: It’s not recommended. Always use a proper charger and unplug once it’s full.

Q: Why does my battery drain so quickly?
A: You might be vaping at high wattage or your battery may be nearing its end of life.

Q: Is it safe to carry extra batteries?
A: Yes, but only in proper battery cases—not loose in your pocket with keys or coins.

Beginner Tips to Keep in Mind

Here are some quick-fire tips that can save you time, money, and stress:

• Always read your user manual. It’s boring, yes—but it tells you the best settings for your vape.
  

• Buy from reputable brands. Cheap knock-offs can be dangerous and unreliable.
  

• Keep your device clean. Wipe it down regularly, and don’t let e-liquid build up around the mouthpiece or airflow.
  

• Stay hydrated. Vaping can dry out your mouth and throat a bit.
  

• Experiment slowly. Don’t switch devices, e-liquids, and coils all at once. Change one thing at a time so you know what’s working (or not).
  

Conclusion: Stick With It!

Vaping is a journey. Your first few days—or even weeks—might come with some bumps, but that’s completely normal. Remember, most vaping issues have simple fixes, and once you find your rhythm, it becomes second nature.

You’re not alone in this. Millions of people around the world have successfully made the switch from smoking to vaping, and with the right guidance and a bit of patience, you can too.

So if your vape leaks, burns, gurgles, or just doesn’t hit quite right—don’t give up. Use this guide, ask questions, and keep experimenting until you find what works for you.

Here’s to smoother vaping days ahead!