How Long Do Vape Coils Last?

Whether you're a seasoned vaper or new to the inner workings of vape devices, knowing how long a vape coil lasts and when you should change it out for a new coil will help preserve your vaping experience.

Below, we discuss the average lifespan of a vape coil and the signs that indicate it's time to change your coil so you can always have an enjoyable vape experience.

How Long Should a Vape Coil Last?

Plan to replace the coils on your vape regularly, no matter what device you use. If you get into the habit of not replacing your coils, you'll experience poor taste and reduced performance from your device. Knowing the right time to replace old coils will keep this from happening, but to do that, you need to understand how long an average coil lasts.

How long your vape coil lasts depends on a few things:

• What kind of coil you're using
• The resistance level of the coil (ohms)
• How much you vape and use your device
• The type of vape you're using
• The kind of liquid you're using

That said, a coil should last around a week, but with less frequent use, you may be able to get away with changing out your coils every three weeks or so. If you hope to allow your coils to last this long, use good quality parts and maintain low to moderate use of the vape device.

5 Signs You Should Change Your Vape Coil

Are you wondering if it's time to say goodbye to your current vape coil and install a fresh one in your device? By paying attention to these five signs, you can determine whether you should change out your vape coil for a new one.

Bad Flavour

One of the best ways to tell if it's time to replace your coils is by the flavour of your vape. If there's no other reason for your vape to taste bad, you'll likely need a fresh coil.

Why does this happen? It's general wear and tear: as the metal part of the coil becomes repeatedly heated and cooled, it begins to impact its integrity. This may prevent the coil from heating consistently or all the way, leading to changes in flavour.

Don't push through if your vape juice starts tasting terrible. It's time for a fresh coil and juice - because the issue could also be with a bad batch of liquid. It's best to change both out, just in case, so each inhale is just as flavourful as intended.

Burnt Taste

If you have a burnt taste in your mouth when vaping, it's a sure sign that the coil needs to be changed out because it's burnt out. Burnout can happen due to poor priming, causing it to heat up too hot too quickly. It can also occur if you're taking multiple hits after another, known as chain vaping, and not allowing the coil proper time to heat up and cool down in between inhales.

If you experience a burnt taste when vaping, you've likely burned the materials and wick, and you won't be able to fix it. Not only is it unpleasant, but exposure to burnt coils can also cause respiratory distress and inflammation in the heart and lungs, according to a study published in the Cardiology Research Journal. It's time to start fresh with a new coil.

Low Cloud Production

Low cloud production and density because of a lousy coil may be the most irritating side effect if you prefer a larger cloud volume. When the coil wears out, it becomes less efficient at producing heat. This means that even if you have a decent amount of power behind your device, it won't translate into the kind of clouds you're used to getting.

This is another excellent way to tell when this component needs replacing because the decrease in performance will be noticeable and immediate.

Leaky Device

A leak can also signal that you need to replace your coil. Leaks can happen due to the damage of an old, overused, or improperly placed coil in the first place. If this is the case, you may not need a new coil, so taking the device apart and attempting to clean the coil and inspect the vape parts may solve the problem. If not, switch the old coil out for a new one, which should solve the problem.

Spitting, Gurgling, or Crackling Effect

Have you ever noticed a strange sound when you're vaping? If your device begins to emit the sound of spitting, gurgling, or crackling while inhaling, it's a sign of an issue with your coil. It could be from a build-up of e-juice or moisture causing problems with heating or flooding the coil. It can also happen if the coil isn't placed correctly within the device.

If this happens and you know that you just replaced your coil, your placement could be the culprit. Ensure proper alignment and try again.

If you still hear a spitting, gurgling, or crackling sound when trying to inhale using the vape device, replace the coil altogether.

Have you noticed one or more of the above signs when trying to enjoy your vape? It seems your device is telling you it's time to install a new coil. Don't put it off and suffer through a burnt taste, low cloud production, bad flavour, leaking, or a gurgling effect. A new coil should have your device working as good as new.

How Often Should I Change My Coil?

Changing this part of your vape device every 1-3 weeks is recommended, depending on how often you use your device. If you vape infrequently or in low doses, the frequency may decrease to every three weeks or so.

A good rule of thumb is to pay attention to the five aforementioned signs. Have a spare part or disposable vape device ready for replacement, and know when it's time to change your coil to maximize the longevity of your device.

You should quickly learn how often you'll need to replace your vape based on your vaping habits. For you, that might mean once a week or every few weeks. Once you establish a routine, you can use that to help you remember when to change out this key part for a new one.

One way to better understand your vaping habits and coil-changing schedule is to use a journal to track how much you're using the device and when you begin to notice the signs that you need a new coil listed above. Seeing the data laid out can help you understand when it's the right moment for a new part or disposable device.

Extend Your Coil's Life

If you're looking for ways to extend the life of your coil so you can get more use out of it, there are a few strategies to try. 

First, try to avoid sweeter or more brightly-coloured liquid, which can contain more sweeteners and colourings that can take a toll on the device's inner workings after a while.

You can also try to prime your coils before using them to avoid a burnt taste. This helps to saturate the wick and reduce strain on the device.

Another idea? Check your device's wattage settings, and try to turn down the power if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Puffs Should a Coil Last in a Vape?

The number of puffs you can take from a vape depends on many factors, but most people can get many puffs from a vape coil, ranging anywhere from several hundred to 6000 puffs depending on the part itself, vape device, and vape juice used. Depending on how frequently you use it, this can last from a few days to three or four weeks.

What Is the Average Life of a Coil?

There's no definitive answer because many factors influence how long your coils last. The average life is between a few days to three weeks, depending on how often you use the vape, device type, vape juice, and coil resistance.

Final Thoughts

Knowing when to change your vape coil is essential for a satisfying vaping experience. By paying attention to the signs of a worn-out coil (like a burnt or bad taste, low cloud production, leaks, or a gurgling sound) and following the recommended guidelines for replacement, you can ensure that your device continues to provide an excellent flavour and experience. Remember to have spare coils or extra disposable vape devices on hand so you never have to sacrifice your enjoyment due to an old or burnt-out coil. If you need a new vape, check out WAKA vapes for a wide selection of high-quality options.