It’s a known fact in the vaping world that at some point, you’ll need to replace your vape coil with a new one. But how long do vape coils last? And what factors influence their longevity?
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the things that can impact coil lifespan and look at some handy tips on how you can increase coil longevity. By understanding more about how coils work and what affects their performance, you can make informed decisions when it comes time to replace them, ensuring that you get the most out of your vaping experience.
What affects a coil’s lifespan?
On average, coils can last between 1-2 weeks but this can vary depending on a few different factors. One of these is how frequently you use your vape. If you’re a heavy vaper, you might find that your vape coil might only last a few days whereas someone who vapes less frequently won’t need to replace their coils as often.
The type of e-liquid you use can also affect your vape coils’ health. E-liquids that taste sweeter, like dessert flavour e-liquids, tend to leave more residue on your coil and lead to a burnt out coil more quickly.
A vape coil’s resistance is also a factor in how long they last. High resistance coils tend to last longer as they don’t burn as hot as sub-ohm coils, and coil gunk from the VG content of the liquid doesn’t form as quickly.
How can I tell when my coil needs replacing?
There are a few tell-tale signs that indicate your coil needs to be replaced. One of these is if you start experiencing a burnt taste when you vape. This sign is pretty hard to miss as the taste will be extremely unpleasant and can make you feel sick. This burnt taste means the wick and coil are burnt out and have become unusable.
Another indicator that you’ll need to replace your coils is if you hear a gurgling sound when using your vape. This can sometimes happen if your vape coil hasn’t been properly installed into your device, but if you notice this happening frequently then it probably means it’s time to pick up a replacement coil.
If your vape’s cloud production also starts to look weaker, that might be another sign that you’ll need a replacement coil. If you use a sub-ohm device this decrease in vapour will be a lot more noticeable than in an MTL device.
How can I increase my coil’s lifespan?
Prime your coils
One of the first things you can do when you purchase a replacement coil is to prime it. Priming your new coil can prevent dry hits and significantly increase its lifespan. It’s also a very easy process; all you need to do is completely soak your fresh coil’s wicking material with e-liquid before fitting it into your vape kit. Then, leave it to sit for 5-10 minutes while the wick completely absorbs all the vape juice. Once this is complete, your fresh coil is ready to use!
Use the right e-liquid
This tip is especially important if you’re a fan of sweeter tasting e-liquids. Sweet e-liquids contain artificial sweeteners that, after a while, will start to caramelise and burn on the coil itself. This buildup of coil gunk can cause blockages and lead to your vape coil prematurely ageing.
Similarly, high VG e-liquids tend to have a thicker consistency and are therefore more likely to clog up your coil. Cloud chasers and shortfill lovers should expect to replace their coils more often, whereas those using 50/50 vape juices and nic salts can get away with doing so a little less.
Avoid chain vaping
We understand the temptation to chain vape, especially if you’re an ex-cigarette smoker. But constantly taking hits from your vape can be really detrimental to your vape coil’s health. Vaping with minimal breaks between each hit means your vape coil’s wick has less time to be resaturated with e-liquid, increasing the chance of dry hits.
To avoid this, try leaving at least a 30 second gap between each hit of your vape to allow the coil enough time to cool down.
Adjust your vape’s wattage
If you use a vape with variable wattage mode, you might notice that your coil starts burning out more quickly at higher wattages. This is because you’re putting your vape coil under more stress as more power runs through it. If this happens often, try vaping at the lower end of your coil’s recommended wattage range. If you do prefer vaping at higher wattages, we recommend starting off low when using a new coil and slowly increasing it until you hit your personal sweet spot.
Only use quality coils
The quality of the coil is really important as well, which is why we recommend only purchasing vape coils from brands and retailers you trust. Using high-quality replacement coils will mean you won’t have to replace them as often, saving you quite a bit of money in the long run. One of our favourite lines of vape coils right now is the Innokin Zenith Plexus Z coils. Available in 6 resistance levels, they’re the perfect high performing coil for any kind of vaper who enjoys the Innokin Zenith or Zlide products – whether you’re an experienced sub-ohm vaper or prefer mouth-to-lung vaping.
Replacing coils is an inevitable part of vaping, but there are ways to make your coils last as long as possible. By understanding what affects the lifespan of your coils and taking a few simple precautions, you can increase the life of your coils significantly.
At Legion of Vapers, we want to help you get the most out of your vaping experience. That’s why we offer an extensive collection of replacement coils from the most trusted brands (VooPoo, OXVA, Uwell, Aspire, Innokin, to name a few) – if you’re in need of a new coil, be sure to check out our selection today!
