When Should I Change My Vape Coil? 5 Signs It's Time

The coil is the bit of your vape that actually heats the liquid, and it wears out. How quickly depends on how much you vape and what you put through it, but most people get one to two weeks from a coil or pod. Here's how to tell when yours is done.

1. It tastes burnt

The most obvious sign. A dry, harsh or burnt taste usually means the cotton inside the coil is scorched. Once it's burnt it won't recover, so swap it.

2. The flavour has gone flat

If your favourite e-liquid suddenly tastes muted, the coil is probably clogged. Sweet liquids are the worst for this. They leave a sticky residue that builds up on the coil.

3. There's less vapour than usual

A worn coil can't heat as well, so you'll notice thinner clouds even on the same settings.

4. Gurgling or spitting

Some gurgling is just flooding (see our guide to why vapes leak). But if it starts happening on a coil that used to be fine, it's often a sign it's worn out.

5. The liquid in the pod looks darker

If the e-liquid in your pod turns brown quickly, gunk is coming off the coil. Time for a new one.

How to make your coils last longer

• Prime new coils. Fill the pod and leave it for five minutes before your first puff, so the cotton soaks through.
• Don't let it run dry. Top up before the liquid drops below the wicking holes.
• Go easy on the sweet stuff. Dessert and candy flavours gunk up coils faster. If you vape them a lot, expect to change coils more often.
• Use the right wattage. Check the range printed on the coil and stay inside it.

Running low? Shop replacement coils and pods. Coils, empty pods and kits aren't covered by the new vape tax, so their prices haven't changed.