Do you ever recall the times when every car was equipped with at least one push-in cigarette lighter? While times certainly have changed, one thing that remains incredibly common, even today, is smoking while driving. The only difference we’ve noticed over the years is traditional cigarettes are being replaced by e-cigarettes and vapes, and for good reasons, of course. For instance, the use of disposable pods in the UK has become really popular with people who like to vape while driving.
We acknowledge that vaping while driving seems like quite a straightforward task on the surface, just as simple as smoking while driving. The reality, however, is far from this! Vaping in the car involves certain aspects that smoking doesn’t. Before we dive into the complexities, let’s take a moment to appreciate that if you vape while driving, you won’t have to hold a little ball of fire between your fingers while rolling down the highway.
This blog will tell you about the complexities of vaping while driving, along with some tips for vaping in cars. So, without any further ado, let’s dive in!
Why Does Vaping In Car Requires Caution?
Vaping in a car demands caution for several important reasons. First and foremost, it's crucial to consider the potential distractions that vaping can create while driving. Unlike traditional cigarettes, vaping often involves tasks such as handling a vaping device, adjusting settings, or refilling e-liquid. These activities can divert your attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents. It's essential to prioritize safe driving and avoid any activities that could compromise your focus.
Other than that, legal concerns come into play. While there might not be nationwide laws explicitly prohibiting vaping while driving, local regulations can vary significantly. Some regions have laws against using electronic devices while driving, and law enforcement may issue tickets if they perceive vaping as a distraction. Familiarizing yourself with local laws and adhering to them is essential to avoid fines and legal complications.
Another aspect to consider is the comfort and safety of your passengers. Vaping can introduce potentially irritating vapor into the car's cabin, affecting non-vaping passengers. Proper car ventilation for vaping is vital to ensure everyone's well-being and maintain a pleasant atmosphere within the vehicle.
If you like to vape while driving, let’s have a look at some of the most crucial tips for vaping in cars:
Things To Keep In Mind:
Know the Local Laws
The key thing to remember here is to be aware of local laws. While there aren't any nationwide laws against vaping while driving, different states and cities might have their own regulations. Many of these rules were originally designed to curb distracted driving caused by cell phone use. However, some law enforcement officers have issued tickets to drivers they deemed distracted by vaping behind the wheel.
Plus, various localities have laws against smoking in the car when children are present, and these often extend to vaping. So, it's generally best to avoid vaping if you have kids in the car. You should also consider the potential legal implications if you're involved in an accident while vaping. Ensuring that vaping doesn't divert your attention from the road is crucial.
Ensure Car Ventilation for Vaping
Now, let's talk about comfort and safety for you and your car. Vaping in a confined space, like your car, isn't just about the flavor of your e-liquid; it's about air quality, too.
Vaping is safer than smoking, but it's not as safe as breathing clean air, which is why it is crucial to ensure car ventilation for vaping in a safe way. Especially when you're vaping with passengers in the car, it's polite to crack a window to ensure they're not exposed to excessive vapor. This not only keeps your fellow travelers comfortable but also helps maintain your car's interior.
Vaping in an enclosed space can affect your car's cabin air filter. Vapor can clog it up, shortening its lifespan and potentially impacting your car's air conditioning system. Not to forget, maintaining ventilation is also crucial to preventing vape odors in cars.
Most importantly, visibility is key to safe driving. Excessive clouds of vapor can obstruct your view, which is both hazardous and likely to draw attention from law enforcement or other road users who may think you're up to something other than vaping.
Choose the Right Vaping Gear
When it comes to vaping gear for your car, simplicity, and convenience are the name of the game. Opt for a vape tank or a pod system rather than a rebuildable dripping atomizer (RDA).
RDAs require constant attention. They involve manually dripping e-liquid onto the atomizer's coil after every few puffs. This process demands both hands and can be quite fiddly. When you're driving, it's essential to have full control of your vehicle, so using an RDA is simply not a safe choice. Stick with devices that provide a steady supply of e-liquid without requiring constant adjustments.
Avoid Mechanical Mods
Mechanical mods, while popular among vaping enthusiasts, come with inherent risks, especially when you're driving. Unlike regulated vaping devices, mechanical mods lack built-in safety features.
One of these features found in regulated devices is the automatic puff timer. It cuts off power to the atomizer if you take a continuous puff for too long, preventing the battery from overheating. However, mechanical mods lack this safety net. If you inadvertently leave a mechanical mod firing while it's in your purse or tucked away in your car's center console, it can pose a serious hazard. When you're driving, you don't want to risk an uncontrolled vaping device causing problems. To ensure your safety on the road, leave mechanical mods at home.
Watch Out for Elevation Changes
For those who live in mountainous regions or plan to drive through them, vaping introduces another consideration: altitude changes. Vape tanks are designed to hold e-liquid without leaking, thanks to the vacuum created when you take a puff. However, during significant ascents, such as mountain drives, the increased air pressure inside the tank can break this vacuum, causing e-liquid to seep out through the tank's intake vents.
To minimize the risk of leakage during altitude changes, start your drive with the tank partially empty. This extra space allows for air expansion and can help prevent your tank from leaking during the ascent. After reaching the highest point of your drive, consider pulling over to refill your vape. This strategy ensures a more pleasant and mess-free vaping experience.
Keep Batteries Safe
The final point to remember when vaping in your car pertains to the batteries used in your vaping device. Batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries commonly used in vaping devices, have specific temperature limits for safe operation.
These batteries can become dangerous if exposed to extreme temperatures. Leaving them in a hot car, where temperatures can soar above 130 degrees Fahrenheit on a sunny day, is a risk. Similarly, freezing temperatures are detrimental to lithium-ion batteries.
To ensure the safety of both you and your batteries, avoid leaving your vaping device or spare batteries in your car. If you plan to bring extra batteries on a long road trip, invest in protective carriers designed to prevent contact between batteries and other metal objects. This precaution will help prevent short circuits, which are a common cause of battery-related accidents.
To Wrap Up:
By being mindful of these considerations, you can enjoy vaping in your car responsibly and safely, ensuring a pleasant experience for you and your fellow travelers. So, the next time you pull out your vape in the driving seat, make sure to recall these points. Also, it’s crucial to ensure that your vaping gear is of the highest quality and doesn’t impose any risks to safety. For that, Juicedoutvapes has got you covered with a wonderful assortment of devices, e-liquid, coils, and disposable pods in the UK. Check out our collection now and place your order!