Vape Guide
How to Change Your Vape Coil — Step-by-Step Guide
Changing a vape coil is the most important maintenance step for keeping your device tasting clean and hitting properly. A new coil takes about five minutes to install — here's the full process.
Signs it's time to change your coil
Replace the coil when you notice
- Burnt or harsh taste — the most obvious sign; the cotton wick has burned through
- Weak, muted flavour — residue buildup on the coil dulls the taste even without burning
- Reduced vapour production — the coil can't heat efficiently when clogged
- Gurgling or spitting — often means the coil is flooded or the cotton is breaking down
- Dark, discoloured e-liquid — residue leaching back into your juice
Step-by-step coil change guide
- Empty the tank. Use up the remaining e-liquid or drain it out. Changing a coil in a full tank is messy and wastes liquid.
- Disassemble the tank. Unscrew the base of your tank from the glass or pod. Most coils sit in the base section and unscrew counter-clockwise.
- Remove the old coil. Turn it counter-clockwise and pull it out. Discard it — don't try to clean and reuse it.
- Prime the new coil. Before installing, put 3–5 drops of e-liquid directly onto each visible cotton port on the side of the coil, and one drop inside the top opening. This saturates the cotton and prevents an immediate dry hit.
- Install and fill. Screw in the new coil clockwise until snug (not over-tight). Reassemble the tank, then fill with e-liquid. Leave the device sitting upright for 5–10 minutes before vaping — the cotton needs time to fully absorb the liquid.
- Break in the coil gently. For the first few puffs, start at a wattage below the coil's recommended range, then step up to your normal wattage over 10–15 puffs. This helps the cotton and wire bed in for the best flavour.
The most common mistake: skipping the priming step and vaping immediately. Even 60 seconds of patience after priming prevents that first burnt hit that ruins a new coil.
How long does a coil last?
| Usage pattern | Typical coil lifespan |
|---|---|
| Light vaping (a few puffs a day) | 3–4 weeks |
| Moderate vaping (10–20 puffs a day) | 1–2 weeks |
| Heavy vaping (frequent, all-day) | 3–7 days |
| Heavy sweetened e-liquids | Shorter — sweeteners caramelise on coils faster |
Sweet e-liquids (anything with sucralose) are the biggest coil killers — the sweetener caramelises on the wire and burns quickly. If you vape a lot of dessert or candy flavours, expect to change coils more often.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my coil needs changing?
The clearest sign is a burnt or harsh taste. You might also notice reduced vapour, a muted or strange flavour, gurgling, or dark discolouration in your e-liquid. Any of these means it's time for a new coil.
Can I clean and reuse a coil?
Not really. Rinsing a coil with warm water can temporarily improve a mild residue buildup, but once the cotton is burnt or the wire is gunked up, the coil needs replacing. Cleaning prolongs it slightly at best.
Why does my new coil taste burnt immediately?
You probably skipped priming or didn't wait long enough for the cotton to soak. Prime the cotton with drops of e-liquid before installing, then wait 5–10 minutes after filling before vaping. Vaping dry cotton burns it instantly.
What's the best way to make coils last longer?
Always prime before use. Keep your tank at least 20–30% full to ensure the cotton stays saturated. Avoid vaping at high wattages for extended sessions. Switch to less-sweet e-liquids — dessert and candy flavours (with sucralose) shorten coil life significantly.
Where can I get replacement coils in Cape Town?
Krem Vape has four branches: Pinelands (29 Union Ave), Kuils River (47 Church St), Plumstead (3 Rorke Road), and Lansdowne (175 St Kilda Road) — all open Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00. We stock coils for most major brands.
