When to Change Your Vape Coil: A Complete Guide

By Maria Shaheen — April 15, 2025

If you’re into vaping, you’ve probably heard about vape coils, but do you know what they do? These heating coils are the heart of your e-cig, which heats the e-liquid and turns it into the flavourful clouds you want. But like anything else, coils don’t last forever!

Using a worn-out coil for vape gives you the burnt throat hit, weak flavour, and even leaks. That’s why knowing when to swap it out is key to smooth, enjoyable vaping.

This guide will explain how Wick & Wire works, the signs it needs replacing, and how to make it last longer.

Need new Atomiser Coils? Check out Greet Vape Shop for a huge selection of top-brand coils to keep your vape game strong! You may get your favourite picks from Aspire Coils, Geekvape Coils, Innokin Coils, Smok Coils, Voopoo Coils, and more!

 

How E-Vape Coils Work?

The best e-ciggrate coils are essential for your device to transform e-liquid into vapour. Have you ever wondered how your vape actually works? The coil heats up when you hit the fire button, warming the e-liquid soaked into the cotton wick. That’s what creates the smooth, flavourful clouds. Then, the liquid turns into vapour when you inhale. Without the coil, you may not enjoy the vapour—no flavour, just a dry hit! So, Atomiser Coils are what make your vaping experience come alive!

But replacement coils do more than just heat vape liquid; they also shape your entire vaping experience. A fresh coil for vaping gives you crisp, rich flavour, while an old, gunky one can make everything taste burnt and unpleasant. The type of coil you use also affects vapour production. Enjoy vaping with these long-lasting coils: Geekvape Aegis Coil, Aspire AF Mesh Coil, Smok RPM 3 and Geekvape G Coil 0.6 Mesh.

If you crave huge cloud production, low-resistance coil sub-ohms are the way to go since they heat up faster and produce bigger vapour. It all comes down to your vaping style, whether you’re chasing clouds or just enjoying a flavourful, satisfying inhale. Explore this MTL and DTL vape kit guide for more information on finding the perfect vaping experience tailored to your preferences.

Factors That Affect Vape Coil Lifespan:

The lifespan of your replacement coils can be affected by several factors, and knowing these can help you extend its lifespan. Here’s a breakdown of what influences how long your coil lasts:

VG/PG Ratio:

  • A high VG ratio makes e-liquid thicker, which can cause your coil to wear out faster since it doesn’t wick as quickly. On the other hand, a higher PG ratio is thinner, so it wicks better and keeps your coil in ecig in better shape for longer.
  • If you prefer a DTL (Direct-to-Lung) vaping style, go for a high VG/PG ratio of 80/20. This thicker e-liquid produces enormous clouds and a smoother inhale, perfect for cloud chasers.
  • For MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) vaping, a balanced 50/50 VG/PG ratio works best. It provides a stronger throat hit and better flavour, mimicking the sensation of traditional smoking.
  • If you enjoy RDTL (Restricted Direct-to-Lung) vaping, a 70/30 VG/PG ratio is ideal. It offers a nice balance between vapour production and flavour intensity. Choosing the right atomiser for your vaping style ensures a smoother, more enjoyable experience!

E-liquid And Wattage Setting:

  • Sweet flavours can be mouth-watering but can also leave residue on your coil. Sugary e-liquids tend to build up quickly and cause the coil to degrade faster, affecting flavour and shortening the lifespan of your coil.
  • Higher wattages heat your coil faster, which means you'll get more vapour, but it can also lead to your coil burning out quicker. If you’re all about those massive clouds, you might find your coil needs replacing compared to someone who vapes at a lower wattage. Learn more about wattage adjustment to optimise your vaping experience, control vapour production, and fine-tune flavour intensity.

Chain Vaping:

  • If you’re someone who chain vapes, taking puff after puff without much break. Your coil heats up continuously. This constant use can wear out your coil faster, especially if you’re using a high-wattage setting or sweet e-liquids. The more you vape, the quicker your coil will go through its lifespan. Wondering how long vape coils last? It depends on your vaping habits, but most last between 1 to 2 weeks before needing a change!

Considering these factors, you can adjust your vaping habits and preferences to help your Wick & Wire last longer and keep your vape tasting fresh! You can level up your vaping with these.

Signs Your Vape Coil Needs to Change:

If you're into vaping, you know that an ideal vape session relies on the well-functioning of a coil. But over time, your coil’s production quality is reduced, and you’ll start noticing sure signs that it's time for a replacement. Here’s what to look out for to keep your vape sessions smooth.

  • Burnt Taste:

This happens when the replacement atomiser can no longer heat the e-liquid properly, which means you're essentially inhaling vaporised residue. If you’re getting a burnt hit, it's time to swap your coil for a fresh one to avoid ruining your vape experience. For an enjoyable vaping experience, try these high-quality heating coils: Geekvape Zeus Z, T18 Coils and Nautilus BVC Coil.

  • Muted Flavour:

If your hits start tasting flat or weak, even with fresh e-liquid, your coil may not be properly absorbing or heating the juice anymore. A fresh coil delivers vibrant, rich flavours, but once the coil for vaping gets gunked up, the taste fades. If your favourite e-juice doesn’t taste as great as it used to, you'll want to replace it.

  • Reduced Vapour Production:

Reduced vapour production indicates that the coil isn’t heating the e-liquid as efficiently. You might notice that you're not getting those big, satisfying clouds; instead, you're left with wisps of vapour. If cloud chasing is your thing, it’s time for a new coil to bring back that excellent vapour.

  • Leakage:

Have you ever heard a weird gurgling sound when you hit your vape? That’s often a sign that your coil is flooded with too much e-liquid, leading to a messy situation. Excessive e-liquid flooding the coil will also affect your vape's performance, so if you hear that gurgling noise, it’s time to check your coil. A quick swap should fix the issue and get you back to smooth, leak-free vaping. Try these anti-leak Vaporesso coils: GTX Coil and GTI Mesh Coil.

  • Gunky Coil Appearance:

Take a look at your coil now and then. If it looks dark or burnt or has a lot of gunk on it, that’s a clear sign of buildup. This gunky layer can come from leftover e-liquid that’s caramelised over time. Not only does this affect the flavour, but it can also cause poor vapour production. Change it for the best flavour and smooth vapour production.

  • Dry Hits:

When the wick inside the coil isn’t absorbing enough e-liquid, it produces a harsh, dry-burn sensation. If you're getting dry hits even though your tank is filled, it might mean the coil is old and no longer appropriately wicking the juice. So make sure to swap out your coil to keep your vaping experience enjoyable.

Make Your E-cig Coil Last Longer!

Environmental considerations like regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to maximise the coil's lifespan. Gently wiping the coil and tank prevents buildup, ensuring optimal performance. Experientially, proper priming techniques, such as saturating the wick before use, ensure even heating and prevent dry hits. While these tips extend the atomiser life, it's vital to recognise that coils are consumables.

Recognising the experiential signs of a worn coil in an e-cig, such as burnt taste, muted flavour, and reduced vapour production, signals the need for replacement. Therefore, proactive coil replacement ensures a consistently enjoyable vaping experience.