The Safety Risks of Leaving Vapes in Cold Cars

When temperatures drop, it’s not just our bodies that need to stay warm – so do our vapes. Whether you’re running errands or driving long distances, leaving your vape in a cold car during winter can lead to unexpected and hazardous problems. From battery malfunctions to ruined e-liquids, here’s why it’s crucial to protect your vape from the cold.

Risks of Leaving Your Vape in Cold Weather

How Cold Affects Vape Batteries

Most vapes use lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are great at providing power quickly, charging fast, and lasting a long time – but they don’t like the cold.

What Happens to Vape Batteries in the Cold?

In freezing temperatures, a vape battery can lose its ability to perform properly. The chemical reactions inside the battery slow down, making it less efficient. This can cause a drop in battery life, meaning your vape might run out of charge quicker than usual. In the worst cases, the battery might even be damaged beyond repair.

Battery Risks: Overheating and Fires

An even bigger risk is when a frozen battery is plugged in to charge without warming up first. When the battery is recharged while frozen, it can cause the battery to overheat, potentially leading to a fire hazard. This is especially true for cheaper or non-compliant devices that may lack essential safety features.

What to Do:

• Keep your vape in a warm place during winter, like an inner coat pocket.

• If your vape has been exposed to the cold, let it warm up naturally before charging or using it.

• Also Read: 10 Common Vaping Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

E-Liquid: Freezing and Leaking

Vape e-liquids are also affected by cold temperatures. Most e-liquids contain a mix of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), both of which can freeze at low temperatures. When the liquid freezes or thickens, it may cause leaks or clogs in your device.

How Does Freezing E-Liquid Affect Your Vape?

• Thickening or Freezing: In the cold, e-liquids can become too thick to vaporise properly. This can lead to unpleasant experiences, like poor airflow or burnt coils.

• Leaking: If the e-liquid freezes and expands, it can create pressure inside your vape, which may cause leaks. These leaks could stain your car upholstery or, worse, damage sensitive electrical components inside the vape or car.

What to Do:

• Avoid leaving your vape in the cold. If it’s unavoidable, store it in a sealed bag to minimise leaks.

• Let your vape warm up to room temperature before using it.

Health Risks: Inhaling Harmful Residues

You might think that a cold vape is simply a minor inconvenience. However, using a vape that has been left in the cold can cause more serious health risks. When exposed to low temperatures, the e-liquid may not vaporise properly, leaving behind harmful residues on the coil and mouthpiece. Inhaling these could irritate your throat and lungs, causing coughing or shortness of breath.

Signs of a Damaged Coil:

• Burnt taste or harsh throat hit while vaping.

• Cloud production might decrease or appear unusual.

• A fizzy sound from the coil, which means the e-liquid is struggling to vapourise.

What to Do:

• Inspect the coil regularly and replace it if you notice any damage.

• Avoid using the device until it has returned to a safe temperature.

Tips to Protect Your Vape from the Cold

To prevent these issues and ensure your vape stays in good condition during winter, here are a few simple steps you can follow:

Store Your Vape Properly

• Avoid leaving your vape in your car, especially during freezing weather.

• Store it in an inner pocket close to your body when you’re outside.

• If you’re travelling, consider using a thermal case to protect your vape from temperature extremes.

Handle with Care

• If you must use your vape after it’s been in the cold, give it time to warm up naturally. Don’t rush the process by putting it near a heater, as this could cause the device to malfunction.

• Keep your vape clean and check for any signs of leaks or coil damage before use.

What to Do If You Suspect Damage

If your vape has been exposed to cold temperatures for too long and you suspect damage, it’s best to take a few steps to check its condition:

1. Check the battery: If it’s not charging properly or seems to overheat, stop using it immediately.

2. Inspect the e-liquid: Look for any signs of leaking or thickened liquid in the tank.

3. Test the airflow: If it’s hard to draw air through, the coil may be clogged or damaged.

In most cases, if you notice any significant problems, it’s best to replace the damaged parts or get a new device. It’s always safer than risking further damage or injury.

• Also Read: How to Fix Burnt Vape

Conclusion

While vapes are a popular choice for many, they do require some care and attention, especially in extreme weather conditions. The cold can affect both the battery and the e-liquid, leading to malfunctions, leaks, or even fires. By taking a few simple steps to protect your vape from freezing temperatures, you can keep it in good working order and enjoy a safer, more reliable vaping experience.

Quick Summary of What You Should Do:

• Store vapes indoors or in a warm place.

• Keep your vape in an inner pocket when outside in the cold.

• Let your vape warm up naturally before charging or using it.

• Be mindful of battery health and check for signs of leaks or damage.

By following these simple tips, you’ll not only protect your vape but also ensure your safety, keeping your vaping experience enjoyable all winter long.