How To Extend The Life Of Your Vape Coils

Whether you are a beginner vaper or a seasoned cloud chaser, one thing is certain: vape coils do not last forever. They are an essential component of any vaping device, responsible for heating the e-liquid and turning it into flavourful vapour. However, coils can be costly to replace and a burnt coil can quickly ruin your experience. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to extend the life of your vape coils, saving you money and keeping your device performing at its best.

In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about vape coil longevity – from how coils work, to maintenance tips, vaping habits to avoid, and cleaning methods that can help preserve their lifespan.

What Is A Vape Coil And Why Does It Wear Out?

The vape coil is the heating element inside the atomiser head of your device. It is typically made from a metal wire (such as Kanthal, stainless steel, or nickel) that wraps around a wick made of cotton or other absorbent material. When the device is activated, the coil heats up, vaporising the e-liquid soaked into the wick.

Over time, a combination of factors – such as residue buildup, burnt cotton, and excessive heat – degrades the coil’s efficiency and flavor output. Eventually, the coil stops functioning properly or starts to taste burnt, which is a sign it needs to be replaced.

Signs Your Coil Is Deteriorating

Before diving into how to extend coil life, it is helpful to recognise when a coil is past its prime. Common symptoms of a failing coil include:

• A burnt or scorched taste when vaping.
• Gurgling or spitting sounds.
• Decreased vapour production.
• Muted or strange flavours.
• Leakage from your tank.
• A visibly dark or crusted coil.

Tip 1: Prime Your Coil Properly

Priming your coil is one of the most important steps in maximising its life. This process ensures that the cotton wick is fully saturated before the coil is heated for the first time. Here is how to do it:

1. Install the new coil into your tank.
2. Before filling the tank, apply a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton ports and the center of the coil.
3. Fill your tank and let it sit for at least 5–10 minutes to allow full saturation.
4. Take a few “dry pulls” (inhale without firing the device) to help draw more liquid into the coil.
5. Start vaping at a lower wattage and gradually increase to your desired level over several puffs.
6. Skipping this step can cause the cotton to burn immediately, shortening the coil’s life drastically.

Tip 2: Use The Correct Wattage

Every coil comes with a recommended wattage range. Vaping outside this range – especially at higher wattages – can cause the coil to overheat, burning the cotton and degrading the wire more quickly.

Check your coil’s specifications (usually printed on the coil itself or listed in the user manual) and make sure you are staying within the safe range. If you enjoy warmer vapour, consider upgrading to a coil built for higher wattage rather than pushing a low-rated coil too hard.

Tip 3: Choose The Right E-Liquid

Not all e-liquids are created equal, and your choice can significantly affect your coil’s lifespan. Consider the following factors:

• VG/PG ratio: High-VG e-liquids (e.g., 70 VG/30 PG) are thicker and can be harder for the wick to absorb. This increases the risk of dry hits if your coil is not designed for it.

• High-PG e-liquids are thinner and easier on coils but may produce less vapour.

• Use e-liquids that match your coil’s capability. For example, sub-ohm coils work better with high-VG juices, while higher-resistance coils pair better with 50/50 VG/PG blends.

Sweeteners

E-liquids with high levels of artificial sweeteners are notorious for gunking up coils quickly. These sweeteners caramelise when heated, leaving residue that clogs the wick and reduces flavour quality. For extended coil life, opt for low-sweetener or “clean” juices.

Tip 4: Avoid Chain Vaping

Chain vaping – taking puff after puff without letting your device rest – can quickly overheat your coil and dry out the wick. This leads to burnt hits and shortens coil lifespan.

Give your coil a few seconds between hits to re-saturate with e-liquid. Especially if you are vaping at high wattages or using thick e-liquid, a short pause allows the wick to absorb more juice and prevents scorching.

Tip 5: Keep Your Tank Full

Allowing your tank to run dry is one of the fastest ways to burn out a coil. Make sure your coil’s wicking holes are always submerged in e-liquid. Vaping when the juice level is too low prevents proper saturation and increases the risk of dry hits.

A good rule of thumb is to refill your tank once it reaches about one-quarter full, especially with bottom-fed coil systems.

Tip 6: Clean Your Coils (When Possible)

While not all coils are designed to be reused, some can be cleaned to extend their life. This works best with rebuildable coils or when using less sugary e-liquids. Here is how:

1. Remove the coil and rinse it under warm water.
2. If there is heavy buildup, soak it in a bowl of vodka or high-proof grain alcohol for a few hours.
3. Rinse again and let it air dry completely.
4. Reinstall, prime again, and use at a low wattage initially.

Cleaning will not make your coil like new, but it can stretch its use by a few more days.

Tip 7: Practice Regular Maintenance

Clean devices perform better. Keeping your tank and mouthpiece clean reduces the amount of gunk and residue that can clog your coil. Every few days:

• Empty your tank and rinse it with warm water.
• Wipe down the threading, airflow holes, and mouthpiece.
• Dry everything thoroughly before reassembly.
• This not only preserves your coil but also ensures a better-tasting vape.

Tip 8: Match Coil Type To Vaping Style

Different vaping styles (direct-to-lung vs. mouth-to-lung) require different coils. Using a coil that does not match your preferred draw can force you to compensate with wattage or frequency, which strains the coil.

• MTL coils (usually above 1.0 ohm) work best for low wattage and high-nicotine liquids like nic salts.
• Sub-ohm coils (below 1.0 ohm) are made for high-wattage, high-VG e-liquids with large vapour production.

Tip 9: Store Your Device Properly

Leaving your vape in hot or cold environments can affect both the device and the coil. Always store your vape upright and at room temperature. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or freezing conditions, which can cause leaks, wick drying, or internal damage to the coil.

Vape coils may be consumable, but that does not mean they have to be disposable every few days. By priming your coils properly, using suitable e-liquids, vaping within recommended wattage ranges, and maintaining your tank regularly, you can dramatically extend the life of your coils. Not only does this save you money, but it also ensures a cleaner, more enjoyable vaping experience with consistent flavour and performance.