If you’re new to vaping, or even if you’ve been using e-cigarettes for a while, you’ll know that the coil is the heart of your device – but how do you know when it needs replacing?

First-time vapers might find it difficult to recognise the signs that their e-cig coil is past its prime, whilst others may be replacing it prematurely – spending more money than is strictly necessary.

Luckily, there are a few things you can look out for that will tell you when your coil is ready for refreshing, and they all come down to sight, taste, and sound – so let’s take a look!

1. Your vape tastes burnt

This is probably the most noticeable thing that indicates your coil needs changing, and something that most vapers have experienced, or will experience at some point.

When you vape, you’ll encounter a truly dreadful ‘burnt’ taste in the back of your throat, so unpleasant that it can even make you feel ill.

When a vape tastes like this, it’s most definitely time for a coil replacement, as you’ve probably burned not only the wick but the coil materials as well, and you won’t be able to salvage them.

2. Your e-cig is making strange noises

Although some devices are prone to gurgling, it could also be a sign of something else, one of two things: a serious issue with your device, or something as simple as your tank flooding and coil needing a replacement.

The gurgling happens when your coil hasn’t been placed in your vape properly – this could be the case if you’ve just replaced it and started noticing this noise.

Try unscrewing and reattaching your coil, making sure all the holes line up properly.

However, if you’re still experiencing the same problem, then - you guessed it - it’s time to replace your coil.

3. Your e-cig is leaking

If you’ve noticed your e-liquid seeping into your battery or leaking out of the tank, it’s time to do an in-depth check of your vape device.

Take it apart, clean it properly, check the batteries are okay, then carefully reassemble.

If it continues leaking, take your coil out and inspect it, and the source of the leak should become quite obvious.

Even if it doesn’t, coil replacement is still the next thing you should try, and hopefully this will prevent you from having to buy an entirely new vape kit.

4. Reduced vape cloud production

For keen vapers, part of the appeal is the showmanship of vapor production, and a coil with low resistance will produce a huge plumage of vapor for those who enjoy that. It can be the first obvious sign of a worn coil when the vapor cloud starts to deplete.

Of course, if you use an e-cig more occasionally, maybe as a social vaper, you might not be able to detect this problem as easily.

You should know how much vapor is normal for your device and the settings you use, so if it’s dwindling, it might be time to look into a coil replacement.

Never leave yourself without a vape coil

As you continue to vape, changing your coil is something you’ll quickly grow accustomed to

Don’t wait until the last minute - stock up ahead of time so you’ll never be caught short.

Whether your coil needs replacing or you’re just after an upgrade, make sure you’re getting your replacements from a supplier you can trust.