Changing Your Vape Coil Made Easy: A Beginner's Guide

Not sure when or how to replace your vape coil? Don't worry, it's easier than you think! We'll show you the tell-tale signs that a change is needed and walk you through the process for tanks and pods. 

One of the few essential maintenance tasks involved in vaping is changing your coil or pod. Coils are the hardworking heart of your vape kit; they contain the heating element and wicking material that turn your e-liquid into vapour. Like any component that undergoes constant heating and cooling, they have a limited lifespan and need regular replacement to keep your vape tasting great and performing properly. 

For beginners, the idea of taking apart their device can seem a bit daunting, but rest assured, the process is designed to be quick and straightforward. This guide will cover everything you need to know: how to spot the signs that your coil is ready for a change, the simple step-by-step process for replacing coils in different types of devices (like tanks and pods), and the absolutely crucial step of priming your new coil to prevent issues. 

Key Takeaways

• Vape coils need regular replacement (typically every 1-2 weeks) for optimal flavour and performance. 
• Signs a coil needs changing include a burnt taste, poor flavour, reduced vapour, leaking, or gurgling. 
• The replacement process varies slightly between vape tanks and pod systems (replaceable vs integrated coils). 
• Priming the new coil before use is essential to prevent immediate burning. 
• Always use coils specifically designed for your vape tank or pod kit – check compatibility carefully. 

Why Do Vape Coils Need Replacing?

Inside every vape coil is a wire (the heating element) and a cotton wick. When you vape, the wire heats up, vaporising the e-liquid absorbed by the cotton. Over time, two things happen:

• Residue Build-up: E-liquid ingredients, especially sweeteners, can caramelise and build up on the coil wire. This 'gunk' interferes with heating and negatively impacts flavour.
• Wick Degradation: The constant cycle of heating, vaporising, and re-saturating eventually degrades the cotton wick, reducing its ability to absorb vape liquid efficiently.

These factors inevitably lead to a decline in performance. Replacing the coil restores your vape to optimal condition.

When Should You Change Your Vape Coil? The Telltale Signs 

While the average lifespan is often quoted as 1-2 weeks, this varies hugely depending on your vaping habits, e-liquid choice, and wattage. Instead of relying on a strict schedule, learn when to replace your vape coil by recognising the signs that your coil is past its best:

• Persistent Burnt Taste: This is the most definitive sign. If your vape consistently tastes burnt or acrid, even with a full tank, the wick is likely scorched.
• Muted or "Off" Flavour: Is your favourite juice suddenly tasting dull, weak, or just not right? An old coil struggles to vaporise liquid effectively, leading to poor flavour reproduction.
• Significantly Reduced Vapour Production: If you're getting noticeably less vapour than usual at your normal settings, the coil may be clogged or failing.
• Leaking or Gurgling: While leaks can have other causes, a coil nearing the end of its life can sometimes lose its seal or fail to vaporise liquid efficiently, leading to gurgling sounds or e-liquid escaping from the airflow holes.

If you notice any of these signs, it's time for a change.

How to Change a Coil in a Refillable Pod Kit 

The process for refillable pod kits depends on whether your pods use replaceable coils or have coils integrated (fixed) inside. 

Pods with Replaceable Coils:  

• Remove the Pod: Detach the pod from the battery section of your device. 
• Empty the Pod: If necessary, empty any remaining e-liquid. 
• Remove the Old Coil: Coils in pods are usually 'push-fit'. Grip the base of the old coil (often protruding slightly from the pod's bottom) and pull it straight out. Some may require a slight twist or unscrewing action. 
• Prime the New Coil: Apply a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the cotton wick openings of the new coil. 
• Insert the New Coil: Align any flat edges or notches on the coil with the corresponding shape in the pod base and push the new coil in firmly until it sits flush. 
• Refill the Pod: Fill the pod with e-liquid via its filling port. 
• Wait: Let the pod stand for 5-10 minutes to allow full saturation. 
• Reinsert Pod: Click the pod back into your device and vape. 

Pods with Integrated/Fixed Coils: 

This is the simplest method, as the coil is permanently built into the pod. When the coil wears out, you replace the entire pod unit. 

• Remove the Old Pod: Pull the used pod out of the device. Dispose of it responsibly. 
• Prepare the New Pod: Take a fresh pod from its packaging. 
• Fill the New Pod: Fill it with your chosen e-liquid. 
• Wait: This is critical. Let the new, filled pod stand upright for at least 10 minutes. This allows the integrated coil's wick to saturate fully. 
• Insert Pod: Place the new, primed pod into your device. 
• Vape: You're ready to go.

How to Change a Coil in a Vape Tank 

This process applies to most standard vape tanks used with advanced or 'box mod' style kits. 

• Empty the Tank: It's usually easiest (and less messy) to change the coil when the tank is nearly empty. If it's full, pour the e-liquid back into its bottle or a spare container. 
• Unscrew the Base: Turn the tank upside down and unscrew the bottom section (the base hardware). 
• Unscrew the Old Coil: The coil head will be screwed into the tank's base or sometimes into the chimney section. Unscrew the old coil and dispose of it responsibly. 
• Prime the New Coil: Take your new, compatible coil. Apply 4-5 drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton wick through the openings on the sides. Also, add a drop inside the top opening onto the cotton you can see. 
• Screw in the New Coil: Screw the freshly primed coil firmly into the base (or chimney, depending on tank design). 
• Reassemble the Tank: Screw the base back onto the main tank section. 
• Fill the Tank: Fill the tank with your chosen e-liquid via the filling port. 
• Wait: Let the assembled tank stand upright for 5-10 minutes. This allows the wick to become fully saturated. Do not skip this step! 
• Vape: Start vaping at a slightly lower wattage than usual for the first few puffs, then adjust back to your preferred setting.

The Most Important Step: Priming Your New Coil 

We've mentioned it multiple times, but it bears repeating: priming your coil before first use is absolutely essential. Firing a dry coil, even for a split second, can scorch the cotton, leading to an immediate and permanent burnt taste. Whether you're dripping liquid onto a replaceable coil or letting a filled prebuilt pod stand for 10 minutes, this step ensures the wick is fully saturated, guaranteeing good flavour and preventing damage. 

Choosing the Right Replacement Coils 

Crucially, vape coils are not one-size-fits-all. Each vape tank and pod system is designed to work with specific coils made by the manufacturer. Using the wrong coil type can lead to poor fitting, leaks, bad performance, or even damage to your device. 

• Check Compatibility: Always double-check your device's manual or the product description to confirm exactly which coils are compatible. Note the brand, series name (e.g., Vaporesso XROS Coils, Smok RPM Coils), and resistance (ohm rating). 
• Use the Coil Finder: If you're unsure, the Vapestore Coil Finder tool is an invaluable resource for matching the correct coils to your specific tank or kit. 
• Consider Resistance: Remember to choose a coil resistance that matches your preferred vaping style (MTL, RDL, DTL) and e-liquid type (High PG, 50/50, High VG). We stock a wide range, including Classic/High PG coils and Sub-Ohm/High VG coils. Explore our full Coils collection or Replacement Pods for all options.