A vape coil is the heart of your vaping device — the part that heats your e-liquid and turns it into vapour. Without a functioning coil, your device can’t produce flavour, vapour, or a proper hit. Coils don’t last forever, though, and knowing when to replace them makes the difference between a smooth, flavorful vape and a burnt, unpleasant one.
This guide breaks down what a vape coil actually is, how it works, how long it lasts, and the clear signs that it’s time for a replacement.
What Is a Vape Coil?
A vape coil is a small metal heating element wrapped around a wicking material (usually cotton). When the device is activated, the coil heats up and vaporises the e-liquid absorbed by the cotton. This is what creates the vapour you inhale.
A typical vape coil consists of:
- Resistance wire (kanthal, stainless steel, nichrome, or mesh)
- Cotton wick
- Housing or casing
Mesh Coils vs. Traditional Coils
Modern devices often use mesh coils instead of classic spiral wire.
Mesh coils:
- Heat more evenly
- Produce better flavour
- Last longer
- Run cooler
Traditional wire coils:
- Still found in older or budget devices
- Heat unevenly
- Burn out faster
How Does a Coil Work?
It’s simple science:
- You press the fire button or inhale (auto-draw devices).
- The battery sends power to the coil.
- The coil heats the soaked cotton.
- The e-liquivaporises.
When the cotton dries out or when residue builds up, the coil stops working correctly.
How Long Does a Vape Coil Last?
On average, a vape coil lasts 5 to 14 days. The exact lifespan depends on:
- Your vaping frequency
- Device wattage
- Type of e-liquid
- Coil material (mesh lasts longer)
- Sweetness of the juice (sweet liquids burn coils faster)
Heavy vapers may need to replace coils weekly, while light users may go two weeks or more.
Signs You Need to Change Your Vape Coil
You should replace your coil when you notice any of the following:
1. Burnt Taste
This is the #1 sign. If your vape tastes burnt or harsh, the cotton is scorched.
2. Weak or “Off” Flavour
Flavours fade or taste strange as the coil nears the end of its life.
3. Reduced Vapour Production
If the cloud size drops noticeably, the coil may be clogged.
4. Gurgling Sounds or Leaking
Worn-out coils struggle to vaporise liquid, causing gurgling or leaks.
5. Dark or Burnt-Looking Cotton
If you remove the coil and the cotton is brown or black, it’s done.
6. E-Liquid Tastes Sweet or Metallic
Strange aftertastes often indicate coil degradation.
What Affects Coil Lifespan?
Several factors influence how long your coil survives.
Sweet E-Liquids
High-sugar or dessert flavours burn coils very quickly due to caramelisation.
High Wattage
Running your device too hot accelerates coil burnout.
Chain Vaping
Taking hits too fast doesn’t give the cotton enough time to re-saturate.
Not Priming the Coil
Installing a new coil without soaking it in e-liquid first can burn it instantly.
How Often Should You Change Your Coil?
Here’s the general rule:
- Light users: Every 10–14 days
- Moderate users: Every 7–10 days
- Heavy users: Every 3–7 days
- Sweet-juice users: Every 3–5 days
- Mesh coil users: Often closer to 10–14 days
Disposable vapes don’t require coil changes since the entire device is replaced once the coil burns out.
How to Make Coils Last Longer
To extend coil life:
- Prime the coil before first use
- Use lower wattage settings.
- Take longer pauses between hits.
- Use less-sweetened or clear e-liquids
- Keep your tank filled above the minimum level.
Small habits make a big difference.
What Happens If You Don’t Change a Burnt Coil?
Continuing to vape on a burnt coil can lead to:
- Harsh throat hits
- Chemical or burnt flavour
- Coil particles entering the vapour
- Damaged cotton and overheating
Beyond the bad experience, it’s not ideal for your device or your lungs.
FAQs
How do I know if my coil is burned out?
If you taste burning, notice dark cotton, or the flavour becomes unpleasant, the coil is finished. Burnt taste is the clearest sign.
Can I clean and reuse a vape coil?
Technically, yes, for some types, but cleaning rarely fully restores performance. Most vapers prefer replacing the coil.
Do mesh coils last longer?
Yes. Mesh heats more evenly, avoids hot spots, and burns cotton more slowly.
Is it safe to vape with a burnt coil?
It’s not recommended. You’ll inhale burnt cotton particles and get a harsh experience.
Do different e-liquids affect coil life?
Absolutely. Sweet, dark-coloured juices burn coils much faster.
Should I prime every new coil?
Yes. Always saturate the cotton with e-liquid before using it. This prevents instant burnout.
Why does my coil taste burnt even when it’s new?
It likely wasn’t primed correctly, or you’re vaping at a wattage higher than the coil is designed for.
How many coils should I carry when travelling?
Most people carry 1–3 spare coils, depending on the length of their trip and their usage.
Final Thoughts
A vape coil may be small, but it’s one of the most essential parts of your device. Replacing it regularly keeps your flavour clean, your vapour smooth, and your device working the way it should. With proper care — and by paying attention to the signs — you’ll always know when it’s time for a fresh coil.
