How to tell if a vape coil needs replacing

How to tell if a vape coil needs replacing, depends on the vape device. It’s always a good idea to read the user manual for tailored advice. We’ve collated some tips and information below to help you along the way.

What is a vape coil?

A vape coil is part of a vaping device located inside the atomiser that heats up and vaporises e-liquid. It's made of a small wire shaped like a spring, a bit like the filament in a lightbulb. 

How long does the coil last?

The lifespan of a vape coil depends largely on the device type and individual usage.

• Coils in devices with refillable tanks: last around 1-2 weeks, while those in pod-based devices such as the Vuse Pro  can provide up to 950 puffs per pod*.

• Rebuildable devices: such as RDAs, RTAs, and RDTAs offer longer coil lifespans as they can be cleaned and re-wicked. The coils in these devices can last weeks to months. 

However, vaping frequency, e-liquid type, and maintenance habits can all affect the lifespan of a coil.

What happens if you don't change the vape coil?

• Over time, the coil can become clogged with residue from e-liquid, particularly if you’re using one with a higher VG to PG ratio, which can cause it to taste burnt or unpleasant.

• This could also impact the flavour, as coils become less efficient at vaporising the e-liquid as they degrade.

• This can also cause potential leaks and gurgling sounds as, over time, the e-liquid will not absorb properly into the wicking material and eventually find its way through seals and openings.

Can a burnt coil be saved?

Whether or not you can 'save' a vape coil depends largely on the type of device you're using. In rebuildable devices like RDAs, RTAs, and RDTAs, you can often clean the coils wicks, which can extend the life of the coil. However, in devices with pre-built atomisers, such as refillable tank systems and pod systems, once you notice the coil starts to taste burnt you will have to replace the whole coil unit. In the case of Vuse Pro pods, this is simply a case of inserting a new pod into your device and remembering to dispose of the old one responsibly.

How do I know if my vape coil needs replacing?

Again, this depends mostly on the type of device you're using. Below we've listed the most common device types and signs that it's time to replace the 'coil':

Some devices (like disposable vapes , now illegal to be sold in the UK ) used to require you to dispose of the entire unit once it's been used up[DR1] , while others allow you carry out some initial troubleshooting before it's time to replace the coil. It's also worth pointing out that the 'burnt taste' that is commonly experienced by users when a 'coil' is at the end of its life is often due to the wicking material - not the coil. Again, in some devices you may be able to clean or re-wick the coil without ever actually needing to replace the coil itself.

*Based on laboratory testing (including recharging) of Vuse ePod 2 device and may vary depending on an individual’s usage behaviour.

Read More: 10 Things To Avoid When Vaping

What causes coil burnout?

Coil burnout can be caused by a number of factors and depends on device type:

Standard/Refillable Tanks

• Chain Vaping: Continuous use doesn't allow the wick to re-saturate with e-liquid.
• E-liquid: High VG e-liquids require high-powered devices such as Sub-Ohm due to their high viscosity and are incompatible with lower-wattage pens.
• Coil Priming: If the coil hasn't been primed properly before use, the wicking material inside is likely to experiencing burning more easily.

Pod Systems

• E-liquid Level: Non-refillable pods have a 2ml capacity, so it's important to keep an eye on the e-liquid level
• Chain Vaping: Quickly depletes e-liquid levels

Rebuildable Devices (RTA, RDA, RDTA)

• Wicking: Improper wick installation can lead to dry spots and burning
• High Wattage: High wattage can cause the coil to overheat. Always check the recommended wattage for each coil before use.
• Residue Build-up: More common in complex builds as these devices have crevices where e-liquid residue can build up over a period of time.
• Chain Vaping: Taking multiple draws in quick succesions without breaks between can impact the wicking material's ability to re-saturate

FAQs

Do I need to change my vape coil when I change flavours?

No, you don't need to change your vape coil every time you change flavours. However, it's worth bearing in mind that this could impact the new flavour as there is likely to be e-liquid residue on the wicking material if you're using a pre-made coil.

Does the tank have to be empty to change the coil?

No, the tank doesn't have to be empty to change the coil, but it's easier and less messy if it's not full.

What is a dry hit?

A dry hit occurs when the coil hasn't been properly primed, or saturated with e-liquid, resulting in a burnt taste.

Can you burn out a coil in a vape?

Yes, coils degrade over their lifespan and are impacted by the repeated heating and cooling process, as well as incorrect e-liquid usage which can cause the build-up of residue on the coil.

Why does my vape taste burnt with new coil?

if your vape tastes burnt, even with a new coil, this can happen if the wicking material wasn't properly primed with e-liquid beforehand, or if the wattage is set too high on the device.

How to replace vape coil?

This will depend on the type of vape you use, we suggest reading the user guide for your device to correctly replace the coil if need be.