How Long Do Vape Coils Last?

If you’re wondering ‘how long does a coil last?’, we’ve got you covered.

Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer to this question as the lifespan of vape coils can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Type of coil used
• Individual vaping habits
• Type of e-liquid used
• Duration of puff
• Power settings
• Maintenance practices

Generally, vape coils last anywhere from a few days up to four weeks, but it's important to note that this is an estimate, and individual experiences may differ.

Most vape coil manufacturers recommend replacing your vape coils after a week of use. However, if you vape less frequently than the average vaper, your coils might last longer.

One of the most important things to understand is that a vape coil doesn't just stop working. The flavour will deteriorate and you might encounter a burnt taste, making your vaping experience less satisfying. In theory, you can continue to vape, so deciding when your coil needs replacing is up to you.

In this blog, we’ll cover the tell-tale signs that it’s time to change your coil, as well as tips for prolonging the lifespan of your coils so you don’t have to replace them as often.

4 signs that it’s time to replace your coil

Once you know the signs to look out for, it becomes pretty obvious when your vape coil needs replacing. Here are the top 4 signs that you need a new coil:

1. Your vape tastes burnt

This is usually the most noticeable sign that the coil in your vape kit needs replacing and is something that most vapers will experience at some point. When taking a hit from your vape, you’ll encounter an unpleasant burnt taste in the back of your throat, which means the wick and coil materials are burnt out and need replacing.

For more information on this, see our guide: Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt & How To Fix It.

2. Your vape tastes strange

This one can be harder to identify, but if you buy your usual e-liquids and find they suddenly taste different, it could be that the coil needs replacing. You might find that the vape juice tastes very dull, odd, or doesn’t have any flavour at all. Some vapers even notice a difference in the appearance of the e-liquid, such as it looking darker than normal when you put it in the tank.

The issue in this instance is probably that your coil and wick have become so soaked with other e-liquids that they are no longer able to provide the right flavour. Therefore, replacing the coil should solve the problem.

3. Your vape is gurgling

If your vape starts to make a gurgling sound, this could be a sign that the tank is flooding and you need to change the coil. It could also simply be that your coil has not been inserted into the device properly, especially if you only replaced the coil very recently. Try unscrewing and reattaching the coil to see if this is the case, making sure all the holes line up properly.

Sometimes, a gurgling sound can be a sign that there is a problem with the vape itself. This might be the case if the problem persists after you’ve replaced the coil, and you may need to replace the device completely.

4. Your vape is leaking

If e-liquid is seeping into your battery or leaking out of the tank, this can sometimes be a sign that the coil needs to be replaced. To get to the root of the issue, take your vape apart and give it a good clean, make sure the batteries are okay, and then reassemble it carefully. If the device continues to leak, you should replace the coil to see if this resolves the issue.

7 ways to prolong the life of your vape coils

If you want to buy new vape coils less frequently, there are a few easy things you can do to prolong the life of your coils.

1. Vape less frequently

The more frequently you vape, the quicker your coils will wear out. Continuous usage puts more strain on the coil, causing it to degrade faster.

If you are a heavy vaper and use your vape often throughout the day, you may find that your vape coils only last a few days. If you vape every day but take smaller and less frequent inhales on your vape, the coils may last up to a couple of weeks. If you are a social or casual vaper, your vape coils may only need replacing every four weeks.

2. Choose the right wattage settings

Higher wattages and power settings generate more heat, which can lead to faster coil deterioration. Try using a lower wattage to put less strain on your coils.

It's important to use coils that are compatible with your device's recommended wattage range and adjust your settings accordingly. Most vape coils will provide a wattage range (on the actual coil) to set your device to for optimal vaping performance.

3. Use the correct inhaling technique

Inhaling too hard or not enough can cause issues with your vape coils. Many new vapers inhale on a vape like they would a cigarette, but longer and steadier draws for around 3-5 seconds are actually best for best performance.

You should also avoid chain vaping, which is where you continuously vape in a short period of time, taking draws in quick succession. Your e-liquid may not saturate the wicks within your atomiser as the coil heats up, causing the coil to burn and degrading your coils at a faster rate.

Waiting for longer periods between draws allows the coil to cool down and the e-liquid to wet the wicking material for a better vaping experience and longer-lasting coils.

4. Avoid highly sweetened e-liquids

E-liquids with high levels of sweeteners and colouring can caramelise (turn the e-liquid darker and thicker) and gunk up coils more quickly. Sweeteners can leave residue on the coil, preventing the cotton-wicking material from being saturated correctly, considerably reducing its lifespan and leaving a burnt taste.

Using clear or less sweetened e-liquids may result in longer coil life. It may be worth opting for tobacco flavour vape juice or menthol e-liquids instead of candy or dessert flavours.

5. Stay on top of maintenance

Regular maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of your coils. Cleaning your tank, priming coils properly before use, and keeping your e-liquid levels topped up, can all contribute to extending coil life.

Keeping your coils in good working order can not only provide a more satisfying vaping experience but also save you money.

Check out our guide to cleaning your vape for more information on how to properly maintain your coils.

6. Switch to a different type of e-liquid

If you find your coils are burning too quickly, it’s worth looking at the type of vape juice you are using. E-liquids with a higher ratio of VG (vegetable glycerine) are thicker in consistency than liquids with a higher ratio of PG (propylene glycol) and may destroy your coils faster.

High VG e-liquids are ideal for sub ohm and DTL (direct to lung) vaping with a high-powered device. However, if you are using a low to mid-powered device, high PG e-liquids or nic salts may be a better option. The thinner consistency of these juices is less prone to clogging and is compatible with low-powered MTL (mouth to lung) devices like pod and pen kits.

You may need to increase the nicotine strength of your e-liquid for the same satisfaction, but you will consume less vape juice and your coils will last much longer than they currently do.

7. Choose high-quality coils

Always purchase your vape coils from reputable manufacturers and ensure you are getting the correct coil for your device - this will make them last much longer!

At TABlites, we only stock the highest-quality vape coils, so you can be confident that you’ll get the longest possible use out of them.

Need more information about coils and how they work? Check out our ultimate guide to vape coils.