Vape coils are the unsung heroes of great vaping experiences. These small components heat e-liquids into smooth, flavorful vapor. So even the best devices struggle to impress with lackluster coils. Yet with regular care, these intricate parts endure happily for weeks, saving vapers money. This guide breaks down the fundamentals for success.
Vape coils refer to small, replaceable atomizers housing wires that heat when electrical currents flow through them. Various wicking materials like cotton surround the wires to soak up e-liquid, turning fluid into vapor when heat is applied. This vapor gets inhaled, delivering flavor and satisfaction.
With such direct contact heating up liquids before they reach your mouth and lungs, coils influence everything from thickness to taste. Consider cheaper cigarettes' unpleasant scratchy smoke versus vaping's customizable smoothness-all thanks to high-tech coils.
With average use, most vape coil lifespans fall around 1-2 weeks, sometimes stretching towards a month with lighter vapers. However, numerous factors impact longevity:
From cheap confidence trick knockoffs to meticulously built artisan varieties, quality predicts longevity. Researched brand names like Vaporesso to optimize builds balancing cost, lifespan, and pure flavors using tried manufacturing processes.
Exceeding a coil's recommended wattage range overwhelms the system, causing rapid burnouts. Read suggested ranges and start low, increasing slowly to optimize use.
The coil withstands more wear from heavy all-day use compared to occasional light puffing. Consider quantity too - constantly swapping flavored juices gunks coils faster.
Thinner, PG-based juices vaporize more easily than viscous, sweet VG liquids and sugary additives which strain components working harder to break down thicker consistency fluids.
Just like changing oil in cars regularly, clean coils last longer. Following best practices optimizes coil investment.
Cleaning coils helps them last longer before needing replacement. Here is a step-by-step way to thoroughly revive gunky coils:
Even with regular maintenance baths, there comes a point where persistent issues or performance decline indicate it's time for a fresh coil swap:
As coils slowly gunk up and wire protective coatings gradually burn off from repetitive heating cycles, e-liquid flavor peaks drop.
Related to the above, residue buildup impedes airflow. As wicking efficiency and heat conduction reduce, so do vapor clouds.
Excess fluid flooding air channels results in hot e-liquid spewing occasionally. As coils struggle to wick thicker juices, they spit more.
Associated with the above flooding factors, bubbles forming indicate coils can't vaporize liquids fast enough. Air bubbles rise through channels.
Wicking issues also cause excess fluid to leak through air vents instead of getting properly vaporized. Coil connections may need reseating as well if they appear around the base.
Once wick saturation dips too low to cool the wire or after residue buildup insulates heat instead of conducting it, you'll taste consequences.
Like burnt leftovers in pans, prolonged excessive heating alters e-liquid color, indicating coils lose heat efficiency from gunking or age degradation.
When you notice multiple symptoms stacking up, replacing coils often remedies problems before they worsen. Prioritize at first hints of burnt tastes though as inhaling metallic dry burns harms lungs.
Swapping coils only takes a few easy steps:
Follow these steps whenever swapping atomizers. Letting wicks fully absorb surrounding juices prevents initial dry burns. Lower wattages also give fresh coils time to expand into shape.
Beyond replacing aging coils, try these troubleshooting steps if problems emerge:
If hitting wattage maxes, residue buildup can insulate wires retaining heat instead of dispersing it. Scrub coils in vinegar then run under tap water to restore performance. Consider lowering power settings as well.
Centering airholes on the side of the base helps prevent flooding. Tilt tank allowing bubbles to surface then fire briefly dispersing excess liquids as vapor instead. Wipe residue off drip tips as needed.
Empty tanks fully then gently blow through air slots clearing any obstructions before wiping away excess e-liquid from vent holes. Examine o-rings ensuring seals aren't compromised. Confirm coil is properly threaded.
Following some simple maintenance best practices helps avoid many aggravations - extending fulfilling experiences with beloved setups. Take time to understand these intricate components.
Vape coils are small but mighty parts - directly responsible for producing smooth, flavorful vapor from devices. While too often overlooked, with some basic maintenance like regular cleaning, checking connections, and replacing when declining, coils can be kept happy for weeks of quality performance. Follow the troubleshooting tips here to identify issues fast and restore clouds.