When you buy something to consume, you're hoping that it doesn't finish or expire so you can always use it without buying more, but not many products do. A vape disposable falls under the category of expiring but there is more nuance than just a date. In this article, we will discuss if vapes go bad, how they bad, how to know if its going bad and how to prolong the life of your vape.
Do Disposable Vapes Expire?
Yes, disposable vape pens are like most consumable products, they expire and go bad. The answer is not exactly cut and dry but all of them will expire eventually. Depending on the brand and type, most of them have a lifespan of 1-2 years depending on the date it was created. There are also other factor as to why it expires, but it's mostly due to the juice going bad.
It's always best to buy your single use disposables from a reputable source. A fake disposable vape will go bad much quicker, depending on the type of juice they used. Since it's a clone to begin with, it's probably best to guess they don't use the best ingredients.
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What Happens After it Expires?
You can still use a disposable device once it has expired but it's probably best not to vape it. Not only will the quality and performance decrease but you have to think about your safety too. An expired vape will have old vape juice in there which can be harmful.
If you're worried about your vape, it's best to check the date on the box when you first open it. Some manufacturers won't list them but a lot of them will have the expiration or creation date on the box.
Your vape will definitely go bad if there is not enough vape juice inside your disposable. However, do NOT refill your disposable vape as this can be hazardous to your health / vape.
Tips to Know If Your Vape Has Expired
It's not a guessing game to understand whether your vape has expired or not. These are some ways you can be ahead by knowing what to expect.
Color of Your Juice
Discoloration of your vape juice is a big deal. If you notice that it's changing colors, it can be because the juice is old or that it's been exposed to extreme conditions. Either one is not good for your juice since you're heating it up and inhaling it.
Smell of Your Juice / Vapor
When you first vape your disposable or open a bottle of eJuice, it will smell very fresh. As time goes by or if it's under extreme condition, the smell can change. Sometimes it's the smell of the juice while other times it's the smell of the vapor.
The Flavor is Weakening
When you first take a hit from your disposable, you will notice it has a very strong flavor profile. Regardless of what flavor it is (unless its clear or unflavored), there will be a nice taste to it. As time goes by, you will notice the flavor of your disposable vape start to get weaker.
Clogging in the Coil
Although this isn't a big issue, it can be if you haven't vaped your disposable pen in a while. With eLiquid becoming thicker through higher VG ratios, this can thicken and clog your coil. If the coil is bad, it will give you a burnt taste.
How Long Do Disposable Vapes Last?
There are many factors that will change the lifetime of a single use vape device. In general, a vape should last up to 2 years from the date it was made. Depending on the location or warehouse they arrive, that can definitely hinder it's life.
Factors That Affect Your Vapes Life
One thing that many vapers think is that is that evaporation is a big part of disposable vapes becoming weak. Most eLiquids now are made with higher vegetable glycerin (VG) which makes the juice thicker. If you don't want to buy a higher puff count vape, here are some factors to help your vapes last longer.
Temperature
Extreme temperatures are one of the biggest risks you have to watch out for. A disposable vape that goes through volatile temperature changes can damage the coil along with the eLiquid.
Sunlight
Exposure to sunlight can damage your vape juice through its ultraviolet (UV) rays. They break down the nicotine. Sometimes you can see this happen when you buy vape juice from two different places and you notice one of the juices is a bit darker.
Proper Storage
Knowing how to properly storage your vape pen is a really big factor on how long your vape will work. If you're constantly leaving it on its side, the eJuice can leak onto the battery. Leaving it in your car, exposed to the sun while you're driving and it's moving around can really decrease performance too.
It's best to leave it right side up and make sure it's not moving around too much.
Batteries
Your disposable device really functions using the juice, battery and coils. Once the battery dies, it's pretty much over for the vape. The good thing is, the battery and juice almost finish together most of the time. If your battery dies, do not replace it, dispose of it properly.
Conclusion
Now that you know disposable vapes do expire, you're wondering what's next. Since your vape is expired and you can't use it, don't just throw it away. Understand the steps to take to properly dispose of it. This will help on many environmental factors like stopping the eJuice from seeping into the ground or hazardous lithium batteries being exposed to landfills.
