Getting a burnt hit from your vape is one of the worst experiences and it’s usually a sign your coil is done for. While coils don’t last forever, many vapers end up replacing them far more often than necessary. The good news? Most of the issues that kill coils early are easy to avoid.
In this post, we’ll cover the 5 most common mistakes that burn out vape coils and how you can stop them saving you money, hassle, and ruined flavor.
- Not Priming a New Coil
The Mistake:
Installing a new coil and firing it immediately without priming.
Why It’s a Problem:
Inside every coil is a cotton wick that needs to absorb e-liquid before use. If you fire it too soon, the dry cotton burns permanently damaging the coil before you even start vaping.
How to Avoid It:
- Add a few drops of e-liquid directly into the coil’s cotton.
- Fill the tank and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Take a few dry pulls (inhales without firing) to help the juice soak in.
- Start vaping at a lower wattage, then increase gradually.
Tip: A little patience goes a long way. Proper priming is key to smooth hits and a longer coil life.
- Chain Vaping Without Breaks
The Mistake:
Taking multiple puffs in quick succession without giving your coil a chance to cool down or reabsorb e-liquid.
Why It’s a Problem:
The cotton wick can dry out between hits if you’re vaping too fast. When this happens, it burns even if your tank still has e-liquid in it.
How to Avoid It:
- Wait a few seconds between puffs and let the wick re-saturate.
- If you’re using a pod system, switch to nic salts like Bar Juice 5000. These provide a smoother, faster nicotine hit, helping you vape less frequently.
- Listen to your vape if it’s crackling a lot or tastes dry, give it a break.
Tip: Slowing down not only saves your coil it enhances flavor and overall vape quality.
3. Using the Wrong Wattage Setting
The Mistake:
Running your device at a wattage that’s too high (or too low) for your coil.
Why It’s a Problem:
Too much power overheats the coil and burns the wick. Too little power doesn’t vaporize the liquid properly and can cause flooding or spitback.
How to Avoid It:
- Check your coil for the recommended wattage range (usually printed on the side).
- Stay within that range. Start low and adjust upward as needed.
- If your device supports temperature control, use it it can help prevent dry hits.
Tip: Using the right wattage gives you better vapor, more flavor, and longer coil life.
4. Using the Wrong E-Liquid
The Mistake:
Using an e-liquid that isn’t suited to your coil or device.
Why It’s a Problem:
- High VG liquids (e.g., 70/30) are thick and can clog or burn coils with smaller wicking holes.
- Sweetened juices leave behind residue that builds up on the coil and burns it out faster.
How to Avoid It:
- For pod systems: Use 50/50 e-liquids or nic salts like Bar Juice 5000.
- For sub-ohm tanks: High VG is fine, but avoid overly sweet or sugary juices.
- Stick to high-quality e-liquids from trusted brands. Cheaper juices often cut corners that damage your coils.
Tip: The right juice makes all the difference both in performance and in how long your coil lasts.
- Letting Your Tank Run Dry
The Mistake:
Vaping when your e-liquid level is too low.
Why It’s a Problem:
If the cotton inside your coil isn’t fully soaked, it can burn even if there’s a small amount of liquid left. Once burnt, the coil is ruined.
How to Avoid It:
- Don’t wait until your tank is empty to refill before the juice drops below the cotton ports.
- For pod systems, keep an eye on the level; pods are small and can run dry faster than expected.
- Carry extra e-liquid with you if you’re out and about.
Tip: Think of e-liquid like fuel. Running too low isn’t just inconvenient, it’s harmful to your coil.
Bonus Tips to Extend Coil Life
Want to get even more life out of your coils? Try these simple habits:
- Use high-quality e-liquids with clean, consistent ingredients.
- Clean your tank regularly to avoid old residue mixing with fresh juice.
- Avoid extreme temperatures, especially heat, which can thin your e-liquid and cause leaks or premature coil saturation.
- Store your device upright to help maintain proper coil saturation.
Final Thoughts
Burnt coils don’t have to be part of your regular vape routine. By avoiding these five common mistakes priming properly, avoiding chain vaping, using the correct wattage and e-liquid, and never letting your tank run dry you can significantly extend the life of your coils.
Whether you’re vaping with a powerful sub-ohm device or a compact pod system using Bar Juice 5000 nic salts, good coil care makes all the difference.
You’ll enjoy better flavor, smoother hits, and less time (and money) spent replacing coils.
Stay ahead of coil burnout and keep your vape performing like new.
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