How Long Do Vape Coils Last? A Complete Guide to Coil Lifespan

Coils are the one of the main components for vapes and are essential for a vape to function but unfortunately they don’t last forever. This article will teach you how to notice when you coil is burnt, how long they should last and how to increase the lifespan and get the best performance out of your coils. 

How Long Does a Vape Coil Last?

Normally, a coil’s lifespan is between 4 to 14 days but this can be affected by several different factors such as how often it’s used, your choice of e-liquids and the wattages used. Most of the heavier users may need to change their coil every few days, while people who use their vape less often may extend it up to three weeks. Usually people who use plain menthol liquids benefit from increased coil lifespan whereas people who use sweeter liquids, like desserts, can have the opposite effect.    

Signs Your Vape Coil Needs Replacing

Knowing when to change your coil is crucial to maintaining a satisfying vaping experience. Here are some common signs that it’s time for a new coil:

1. Burnt Taste

• A harsh, burnt flavour when vaping is the most obvious sign of a worn-out coil. This happens when the wick inside the coil is burned due to prolonged use, insufficient e-liquid absorption or dry burning your coil.

2. Reduced Flavour and Vapour Production

• If your vape no longer produces the same level of flavour or vapour as before, the coil may be degraded and no longer performing optimally.

3.  Spitting or Leaking

• A coil that isn’t working properly can cause spitting or lead to e-liquid leaking from the tank. This is often due to coil flooding, which occurs when the coil can no longer vapourise the liquid effectively.

4. Darkened or Clogged Coil

• Over time, residue from e-liquid (specially sweet or high VG juices) can build up on the coil, making it look dark and gunky. This buildup reduces efficiency and airflow.

5. Harsh Throat Hit

• A sudden increase in throat irritation can indicate a failing coil, especially if you haven’t changed your e-liquid or nicotine strength.

Factors That Affect Coil Lifespan

Several factors determine how long your vape coil will last:

1. E-Liquid Type

• High VG E-Liquids: Thicker juices can clog coils faster, reducing their lifespan. Higher wattage coils can help it not clog.
• Sweetened E-Liquids: Excessive sweeteners can cause gunk buildup, leading to shorter coil longevity.

2. Vaping Frequency

• The more often you vape, the quicker your coil will wear out. Chain vaping doesn’t give the wick enough time to reabsorb e-liquid, leading to dry hits and premature burnout.

3. Wattage Settings

• Using a higher wattage than recommended can burn the coil faster. Always check the suggested wattage range for your coil and stay within it.
• Make sure you choose the right coil for the liquids you use. 

4. Priming the Coil Properly

• Failing to prime your coil before use can lead to immediate burnout. Always saturate the wick with e-liquid and let it sit for at least 5-10 minutes before vaping.

5. Hot and Cold weather 

• Liquid gets thinner in hot weather, so if you take your vape outside, leaking and spitting can be expected (as well as short coil life span) even if you don’t keep your vape in direct sunlight. Your coil just won’t have enough time to cool down in between uses as the outside temperature keeps the liquid too warm. During a heatwave it’s best to keep your vape on you rather than in the car, even if you pop into the shop for 5 minutes. 
• Same happens in cold weather – liquid gets thicker with longer exposure, and giving it sudden heat when drawing on your vape can give your coil a shock and cause it to burn out instantly.

6. Fake coils

• All coils should have a little scratch-able symbol on the box, through which you can scan the code and verify that it is a legitimate product. As there are no copy-right laws in China , some of the coils that you can purchase through third-party websites like Amazon, can be unverified and fake products. Sometimes it’s easy to weed the products out as there is a massive price difference, with fakes being a lot cheaper. Other times, unfortunately, you won’t know until you scan the box itself. If you are ever in doubt, feel free to pop into your nearest vape shop and they should be able to help you verify the product.

How to Extend the Life of Your Vape Coil

While coils will eventually need replacing, you can take steps to prolong their lifespan:

• Break in Your New Coil: Start at a lower wattage and gradually increase to avoid burning the wick prematurely.
• Use the Right E-Liquid: Avoid overly sweetened juices and consider using a balanced PG/VG ratio.
• Avoid Chain Vaping: Give your coil time to reabsorb e-liquid between puffs.
• Keep Your Tank Topped Up: Running your coil dry can burn the wick and ruin the coil.
• Clean Your tank: On occasions, especially after a very burnt coils, the burnt taste can linger on the tank so cleaning it can help.

Conclusion

Understanding coil lifespan is essential for getting the best vaping experience. By recognising the signs of a failing coil and taking care of your device, you can maximise coil performance and longevity. Whether you’re using sub-ohm tanks, pods, or rebuildable atomisers, proper coil maintenance ensures smoother, more flavourful vaping sessions.

If you’re looking for high-quality replacement coils, check out our Vape Coils Collection at Vapourium and keep your device performing at its best!

FAQ section

how can I tell if I’m using the wrong power?

If you are running your vape at the wrong wattage you will notice if your vape starts leaking, burning out quickly or spitting and we would recommend adjusting your coil to its recommended wattage.  

How do I know when my coil needs replacing? 

Leaking issues, spitting problems and dulled/burnt flavour are good indicators that now might be the time for a new coil.  

How can I choose the right coil for my vaping style to maximise lifespan?   

If you only tend to take little sips, something that’s slightly lower powered might be better for you as it doesn’t heat up that much liquid in one go. If you prefer taking longer draws, you might want to consider a device that’s got a looser airflow and slightly more powerful coil that’s designed for bigger clouds. 

How long should I prime a new coil before using it? 

We recommend giving a fresh coil at least 10 minutes of soaking time before using it to ensure that the cotton is fully saturates. If you don’t have the patience for that, you could give it couple of ‘cold hits’ before using it. This means drawing on your tank even before you attach it to your device, then couple of draws at the device’s minimum wattage, and increasing the power after every couple of draws until you hit the recommended setting.