When electronic cigarettes went mainstream several years ago, smokers everywhere had a reason to smile.
Finally, here was an alternative that was modelled along smoking, but without the revolting smells, smoke residue, or cigarette butts.
Being electronic in nature, however, there is always the small matter of charge to contend with. Or battery life.
The battery is one of the core components of any vaping device, whether it’s a pod, vape pen, or mod. Vape batteries come in two types – integrated battery that cannot be changed and a removable cell that is interchangeable.
Our focus today is on the latter.
If your device is powered by a removable battery, you are probably wondering when is the right time to make a swap.
A decent 510 cell should hold its charge nicely for at least 300 charging cycles. The average eGO battery life falls between 300-600 charges. A modern 18650, on the other hand, has a typical life cycle of about 300-500.
This is provided you use your battery as recommended.
A high-drain or high-amp situation, for example, can significantly reduce the battery’s lifespan (by as much as 200 cycles). Same case when you exceed the maximum discharge current limit (A) – you can shrink the cycle to as low as 50 cycles.
That said, a battery that needs replacing exhibits some tell-tale signs that let you know a change is due.
Signs your Battery needs Replacing
If you are vaping at roughly the same wattage but consistently notice the battery does not last as long as when you first started using it, it’s likely an indicator that you need to get a new one.
Another sign that a vape battery needs replacing is that it gets hotter than normal either when recharging it or using it. That is bearing in mind you haven’t altered your power settings or coil resistance.
You can also tell your vape battery needs a swap if your device constantly indicates ‘low battery’ when you bump up the wattage slightly.
Lesser hits are another giveaway of a weakening battery. When a battery is nearing the end of its life, it will still be usable but it will not be able to heat anything sufficiently, the result of which is underwhelming hits.
If you are charging your mod battery using an external charger and the cell is unable to reach 4.2V, this is another indicator that it’s time to get a replacement. However, try switching charger bays first before you order a new one.
Yes, there is no harm in using external chargers to charge your vape batteries. In fact, they tend to be pretty good at preserving battery life.
What’s more, a battery that vents or leaks fluid, even in the slightest, is a sure-fire way to let you know it has a problem. A leaky battery can cause overheating, which in turn can lead to thermal runway or even bursting.
That’s not something any vaper wants.
Last Word
A weak or faulty battery can be a bummer on your everyday vape experience as it cannot be relied upon to power your device as it ought to.
Assuming all other aspects of your vape device are in prime working order, it is imperative to replace your battery when it exhibits any of these characteristics because failure to will end up compromising more than your vape experience.
If left unaddressed, these issues can gradually escalate and affect the device itself, forcing you into unnecessary costs as you will have to replace the vaporiser itself.
Worse still, it could be a potential health hazard that may lead to undesirable physical consequences.