Whether you’re brand new to vaping or have already started, it’s important to know when to change vape coil parts. Usually, there are some tell-tale signs that it’s time, but sometimes it may not be as obvious. So, how long do vape coils last and when should you change them? In this article, we explore the signs to watch for. 

How Long Should a Vape Coil Last?

Generally, if you vape frequently, a new vape coil can last around a week before you should think about changing it. However, the longevity of your coil depends on how often you use your vape, the device you use, your wattage preferences, and the type of vape juice you’re using. If you vape less frequently, you might find your coil only needs changing every two weeks or so.

How Would I Know When to Change My Vape Coil?

When first switching over from smoking to vaping, it can be tricky knowing when your vape coil needs changing. Thankfully, there are a few signs that might suggest you need to change your vape coil, including the following.

A Burnt Taste While Vaping

Ever noticed a burnt taste while vaping? This is one of the more obvious indications that you need to change your coil. If your coil is tasting burnt, more often than not, it’s burnt out. This can happen for a few different reasons. You might not have primed your coil properly, or it could be down to something called "chain vaping". Find out more about these reasons in our guide Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?

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A Change in the Flavour of Your E-Liquid

If you notice the flavour of your vape juice drops off, you might need to change the coil. This can happen as part of the general wear and tear of using a coil. The integrity of the metal in the coil is affected when repeatedly heated and cooled. This reduces how well the coil heats up, preventing it from heating the vape juice to a consistent temperature, and over time, can make the vape lose its flavour.

It’s never worth continuing to vape if the taste starts to reduce, always try to get the best out of your vape. If your e-liquid stops tasting how it should, it may be time for fresh vape juice. 

There is also always the possibility that you got a bad bottle of e-liquid. However, the odds are the change in flavour is due to your coil. In general, the last hit you take should be just as flavourful as the first. 

Your Vape is Leaking

If you notice the e-liquid is leaking from your vape, it might be time to change the coil. Your vape could be leaking because the coil needs replacing, or it wasn’t fitted into the device properly in the first place. The best thing you can do is take it apart, clean it thoroughly, check the batteries and give it a full inspection before switching your old coil out with a new one. Find out more on this topic through our guide, 'Why Is My Vape Leaking?’ 

Gurgling Sound When Inhaling

Your coil might also need changing if you draw from your vape and notice a gurgling sound. If a coil is old and has been used for long periods of time, it can cause flooding in your vape. As well as changing the coil in this instance, it’s also good to blow air through the mouthpiece and clean up the excess e-liquid with a paper towel.

How Often Should I Change My Coil?

The frequency of coil changes depends on how often you vape. This can range from a week for frequent vapers to as little as once or twice a month for those who vape less.

Ultimately, it’s all up to you and how you vape. That said, there are a few things that can affect how long a vape coil lasts, one of these being the size of your coil. Vapes come in all different shapes and sizes, and with this, different-sized coils. If your vape is on the smaller side, you might find its compatible coils are also smaller compared to bigger devices like box mods. This will mean there’s less wick, and therefore less usage compared to the bigger coils out there. For instance, SMOK Nord Replacement coils typically last between 3-5 days, based on how often you use your vape. 

If you’re looking for a replacement coil, Vaping.com has a variety of options, compatible with a range of devices. 

How to Change a Coil in a Vape

In general, changing your coils should be a quick and easy process, taking no more than a couple of minutes once you’re used to it. How you change your vape coil will depend on the type of device you have. We’ve set out step-by-step guides below for changing coils in two popular vape devices - box mod vapes and pod systems. 

These are the general steps on how to change both devices’ coils. For more specific information, please refer to the manufacturer’s guidance provided with your vape.

How to Change a Coil in a Box Mod Vape

1. Separate the tank from the battery, remove the tank cap and unscrew the coil. 
2. Set the tank aside, clean it, and dispose of the old coil responsibly.
3. Once everything’s dried, refit all of the vape components.
4. Screw in the new coil and add a few drops of vape juice on its wick. 
5. Fill the tank up with your chosen e-liquid.
6. Rest your tank in an upright position for a few minutes to allow the wick to soak up the e-liquid - this is called priming.

How to Change a Coil in a Pod System

1. Separate the pod from the vape device.
2. If the vape has a Plug n Play system, you’ll be able to touch the bottom of the coil in the pod. Stick your nails under the coil to pull it out. 
3. Clean the refillable pod and dispose of the coil responsibly.
4. Add a drop or two of vape juice onto the coil’s wick.
5. Once the pod is clean and dry, take the new coil, slot it into pod and press down to secure.
6. Fill the tank with your chosen e-liquid via its fill port.
7. Connect the pod to the rest of the vape.
8. Rest vape for a couple of minutes, letting the wick soak in the e-liquid.  

If you vape immediately after changing the coil, this could result in a dry wick, leading to a burnt taste after you inhale. Following these steps will help you maintain your device properly and have an enjoyable vaping experience. 

Understanding when to swap out your coils is all part of the vaping process. The more familiar you are with your own device, your personal usage and maintenance habits, the quicker you’ll know when it’s time for a coil change.

Recycling Vape Juice

Usually, vape juice bottles can be recycled when they’re empty as they’re normally made of plastic and glass. However, vapers should try to finish or discard any remaining e-liquid before recycling the bottle or pod. 

E-liquid that contains nicotine should not be poured down the sink. If your vape juice has nicotine in it, you can take your bottles to a specific drop-off centre. We recommend reviewing the guidelines attached to the product so you can dispose of the e-liquid properly. 

E-liquid bottles with the pipette can be made from various materials (including glass, rubber or plastic) and are usually not recyclable. If you recycle the main part of the bottle, make sure to disconnect the pipette and place it in a standard waste bin. 

Vape Recycling Near Me: Where Can You Recycle Your Vapes?

In the UK, there are a few places you can go to recycle your vapes. Depending on your location, some councils collect electrical devices. You can contact them to make sure they take your particular vaping device. You can also visit your local recycling centre or go to a recycling bank, which are sometimes located in supermarkets. 

If you’re unsure of where to go, you can use this free online recycling tool to find out where to recycle your goods. Users can enter their postcode and vape product(s) to identify the nearest suitable and WEEE-friendly recycling plant.