Vape coils are the heart of any vaping device; they heat the e-liquid and turn it into vapour. Coils are typically made of a wire and a wicking material such as cotton, mesh, or ceramic. When you activate your vaping device, the wire heats up, vaporising the e-liquid absorbed by the wick.

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Vape coils work on the principle of resistance heating. When the user activates the vaping device, electrical current passes through the coil wire. Due to the resistance of the wire, it heats up. The wicking material, saturated with e-liquid, is in close contact with this heated wire. As the coil heats up, it converts the e-liquid into vapour. This vapour is then inhaled by the user.

The efficiency of this process depends on the coil's resistance, the type of wire, and the wicking material, all working together to provide a satisfying vaping experience.

Priming is the process of saturating the coil’s wicking material with e-liquid before you use it. This step is crucial because it ensures the wicking material is fully soaked and ready to produce vapour. If you skip priming, the dry portions of the wick can burn when the coil heats up, leading to burnt hits, unpleasant flavours, and a shortened coil lifespan.

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Before priming your coil, it’s essential to choose the right e-liquid. E-liquids come in various VG (vegetable glycerine) and PG (propylene glycol) ratios, which affect their viscosity. High-VG e-liquids are thicker and offer more vapour production, while high-PG e-liquids are thinner and provide a stronger throat hit. The chosen e-liquid should be compatible with your coil to ensure proper wicking and to avoid dry hits.

For most coils with organic cotton wicks, a 50/50 or 70/30 VG/PG ratio works well. Thicker coils designed for sub-ohm vaping may handle higher VG ratios better, while coils for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping typically perform well with higher PG blends.

Read more about e-liquids in our Beginners Guide to E-Liquid

Before priming your coil, ensure your vaping device is clean and ready for use. If you’re replacing an old coil, remove it from the tank and dispose of it properly. Thoroughly rinse the tank to remove any remaining e-liquid or residue, and allow it to dry completely. This ensures that your new coil won’t be contaminated, and you get the best possible flavour from your e-liquid.

Once your tank is clean, inspect it for any signs of damage or wear. Check the tank’s glass for cracks and make sure the O-rings are intact and properly seated. A well-maintained tank helps prevent leaks and ensures consistent performance.

Priming your vape coil is a simple yet precise process. Follow these steps to ensure your coil is properly primed and ready for use.

Step 1: Pre-Saturate the Wick

Start by removing the new coil from its packaging. Inspect it to make sure there are no visible defects. Locate the wicking holes or ports on the body of the coil, usually lined with the wicking material. Carefully apply a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the wick inside each of these ports. Be patient and allow the e-liquid to soak in before adding more. This pre-saturation prevents dry spots and ensures that the wick is thoroughly soaked.

For coils with exposed wicking material at the top (around the chimney or the coil head), add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton. You want the wick to be visibly saturated but not flooded with e-liquid.

Step 2: Install the Coil

Once the wick is pre-saturated, it’s time to install the coil in your tank. This process may vary slightly depending on your device, but it generally involves threading the coil into the base of the tank or pushing it into a designated slot. Ensure the coil is securely installed to prevent leaks and ensure proper contact with the device.

After installing the coil, reassemble the tank and fill it with your chosen e-liquid. Be mindful not to overfill the tank, which can cause leaks and flooding.

Step 3: Allow the Coil to Soak

After filling the tank, it’s essential to give the coil some time to fully absorb the e-liquid. This process, known as soaking, typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, the e-liquid will saturate the wick thoroughly, ensuring even distribution and preventing dry hits.

For larger coils or high-VG e-liquids, consider extending the soaking time to ensure thorough saturation. Some vapers also opt to place their tank upright during this period to help encourage wicking.

Step 4: Prime with Inhalation

Before activating your device, take a few unpowered puffs (also known as dry draws) by inhaling through the mouthpiece without pressing the fire button. This creates a vacuum effect, drawing e-liquid into the coil and further saturating the wick. You might hear a slight gurgling sound, indicating that the e-liquid is moving through the coil.

Avoid overdoing this step, as excessive dry draws can flood the coil, leading to spitting or leaking. Two to three gentle draws should suffice.

Step 5: Start Low and Gradually Increase Wattage

To break in the new coil and prevent burning, start your device at a lower wattage than you typically use. If your usual vaping wattage is around 50 watts, begin at about 30 watts. Take a few gentle puffs, letting the coil acclimate gradually to the heat. After several draws, increase the wattage incrementally by 5 to 10 watts.

Continue this process until you reach your desired wattage. This gradual increase helps prevent sudden overheating, damaging the coil and compromising the flavour.

Proper priming is just the start. Maintaining your coils through regular cleaning and careful use is equally important to maximise lifespan and performance.

Avoid Chain Vaping

Chain vaping, or taking multiple rapid puffs without allowing adequate time for the wick to reabsorb e-liquid, can lead to dry hits and burnt coils. Give the coil a few seconds between puffs to re-saturate, especially if you’re vaping at higher wattages.

Monitor E-Liquid Levels

Monitor your e-liquid levels, ensuring the tank never runs dry. Vaping with insufficient e-liquid can burn the wick, leading to an unpleasant burnt taste and diminishing the coil’s lifespan. Refill your tank before it drops below the minimum fill line.

Clean Your Tank Regularly

Regular tank cleaning helps maintain flavour quality and prevent residue build-up. Disassemble the tank, rinse the components with warm water, and allow them to dry completely before reassembling. Clean your tank whenever you change coils or switch e-liquid flavours.

Use Quality E-Liquids

High-quality e-liquids, free from excessive sweeteners and additives, are less likely to gunk up your coils. Opt for reputable brands known for their clean and consistent formulations. Using high-quality e-liquids can extend the life of your coils and enhance your vaping experience.

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Even with proper priming and maintenance, vape coils will eventually need replacing. Recognising the signs of a worn-out coil helps maintain the quality of your vaping experience.

Burnt Taste

One of the most apparent signs is a burnt or charred taste. Despite proper priming, repeated exposure to high temperatures will eventually degrade the wick, resulting in an unpleasant burnt flavour.

Reduced Vapour Production

If you notice a significant decrease in vapour production despite fully charged batteries and proper settings, it might indicate that the coil is no longer functioning efficiently.

Gurgling Sounds and Leaking

Persistent gurgling sounds and leaking can signify a failing coil. While occasional gurgling can occur due to e-liquid condensation, continuous issues often point to a saturated wick that can no longer effectively absorb e-liquid.

E-Liquid Discoloration

E-liquid turning darker faster than usual can indicate residue build-up on the coil. This residue can alter the flavour and lead to a less satisfying vaping experience.

When these signs become apparent, it’s time to replace the coil. Regular coil replacement ensures optimal performance and a pleasurable vaping experience.

Despite best efforts, you might encounter occasional issues with your vape coils. Understanding how to troubleshoot can prolong the life of your coils and solve problems quickly.

Dry Hits

If you experience dry hits despite proper priming, check your e-liquid levels and allow more time for the coil to saturate. If the problem persists, consider using a thinner e-liquid, as thicker high-VG e-liquids can sometimes struggle to wick properly.

Leaking

Leaking can occur for various reasons, including improper coil installation, overfilling the tank, or using an incompatible e-liquid. Ensure the coil is securely fitted, and only fill the tank to the recommended level. If leaks persist, it might be worth exploring alternative coils or devices better suited to your e-liquid choice.

Spitting and Flooding

Spitting and flooding occur when there is excess e-liquid in the coil. To resolve this, try lowering your wattage and taking unpowered puffs to clear the excess. If spitting continues, ensure you’re not over-priming or taking too many dry draws.

Priming your vape coils is vital for ensuring a satisfying and flavourful vaping experience. By properly pre-saturating the wick, giving ample soaking time, and breaking in the coil with a gradual increase in wattage, you can significantly extend the life of your coils and enhance the quality of your vapes. Regular maintenance, monitoring e-liquid levels, and being aware of when to replace coils are key aspects of this process.

By following this comprehensive guide from Go Smoke-Free, you’ll be well-equipped to prime your vape coils effectively and maintain your device. We’re here to make sure you’re never caught short when your device needs some TLC. From spare coils to vape batteries, vape coils, vape tanks, chargers and more. With incredible deals on bulk buys, you can look after your vape for less at Go Smoke Free.