Winter Survival 101: Keeping Your Gear in Top Shape

Whether you’re a cloud chaser reveling in rich vapor or a glass enthusiast admiring the intricate craftsmanship of every piece, the frigid winter weather can be a formidable adversary. The chilly air can thicken e-liquids, making them less enjoyable, while it can turn delicate glass into a brittle liability. These frosty conditions can undoubtedly put a damper on your session, making it harder to fully indulge in your favorite rituals.

At World of Smoke & Vape, we want to help you elevate your experience—no matter the forecast. Here is your ultimate guide to keeping your vape mods, glass pieces, and accessories in top shape until the spring thaw.

The Battery Battle: Keep Your Power Warm

If you’ve ever noticed your phone dying at 20% while you’re outside in the snow, you know that batteries hate the cold. Your vape mods and disposable batteries are no different. Cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions inside lithium-ion batteries, leading to shorter life, slower firing, and longer charging times.


Pro Tip: Keep your device in an internal pocket. Your body heat is the best “case” for your vape. Never leave your mod or disposables in a cold car overnight; not only does it drain the battery, but the extreme temperature swings can actually cause permanent damage to the cell.

Watch Your Viscosity: E-Liquid & Oil Maintenance

Physics 101: Liquids get thicker when they get cold. If your e-juice or CBD/THC oil gets too cold, it becomes viscous and honey-thick. This makes it much harder for your coils to wick properly. If you try to take a massive rip from a cold, thick tank, you’re almost guaranteed a “dry hit”—and nobody wants to taste burnt cotton on a Tuesday morning.

The Pro Tip: Before you vape, give your tank a “hand-hug.” Wrap your palm around it for a minute to let your body heat thin out the liquid. If you’re a DIY mixer, consider switching to a higher PG (Propylene Glycol) ratio in the winter, as PG stays fluid better in the cold than VG (Vegetable Glycerin) does.

Glass & Thermal Shock: A Risky Romance

We all love a pristine water pipe or a heady hand pipe, but glass and freezing temperatures are a dangerous combo. Look for cracks or chips after exposure to cold, and always let your glass reach room temperature before cleaning or use to prevent damage.

The Pro Tip: Never leave water in your pipe if you’re storing it in an unheated area. Water expands when it freezes, which can shatter even the thickest scientific glass. Always let your glass reach room temperature before cleaning it or using it.

Drip Tips and Frozen Lips

It sounds like a scene from A Christmas Story, but metal drip tips can actually stick to your lips in sub-zero weather. Beyond the “tongue-on-a-flagpole” risk, metal is a heat conductor that will feel icy against your mouth and can contribute to chapped, irritated lips.

The Pro Tip: Swap out your stainless steel or aluminum drip tips for acrylic, Ultem, or Delrin (plastic) tips during the winter months. They don’t retain cold as well as metal does, making for a much more comfortable puff.

Keep It Clean: The Winter Germ Factor

Winter is the peak “sick season,” and your mouthpiece is a prime breeding ground for bacteria. If you’re sharing a session with friends or even just carrying your device in a lint-filled coat pocket, things can get gross fast.

The Pro Tip: Grab a pack of alcohol wipes or some specialized cleaning solution from our shop. A quick daily wipe-down of your mouthpiece and connection points keeps your gear performing well and keeps the winter “ick” at bay.

The Bottom Line

Your gear takes care of you all year round—return the favor this winter. By keeping your batteries warm, your liquids fluid, and your glass safe from thermal shock, you’ll ensure that your sessions stay smooth until the sun comes back out.

Need a winter upgrade? Whether you need a cold-resistant drip tip, a new glass piece, or just the latest disposable, your local World of Smoke & Vape has everything you need to survive the chill in style.

Stay warm, stay cloudy, and we’ll see you at the shop! 💨❄️