The experience of a vape device suddenly producing a harsh, burnt taste is a common frustration for users. This sensation signals that the heating element, or coil, has failed prematurely, often accompanied by a noticeably fast depletion of the e-liquid. The problem of a vape burning fast is the result of several interacting physical and chemical stresses on the coil assembly. This rapid failure occurs when the delicate balance between heat generation, liquid absorption, and component material integrity is disrupted.
Overheating and Incorrect Power Settings
One of the most direct pathways to rapid coil failure is the application of excessive power to the heating element. Every manufactured coil is designed with a specific operational wattage range, typically printed on the component itself or its packaging. Exceeding the maximum recommended wattage causes the coil wire to heat past its thermal limit, leading to the rapid degradation of the metal and the cotton wick material.
This excessive heat generation quickly vaporizes the e-liquid faster than the wick can resupply it, resulting in “dry spots” on the cotton that instantly scorch. The thermal stress accelerates the oxidation of the coil wire and the breakdown of the wick, causing the burnt taste that signals component failure. Lower resistance coils, often called sub-ohm coils, are built to handle much higher wattages, while high-resistance coils require significantly less power.
For devices with advanced capabilities, utilizing temperature control (TC) can mitigate these heat-related failures. TC mode works by monitoring the electrical resistance of the coil wire, which increases predictably as the temperature rises. By tracking this change, the device automatically reduces the power output to ensure the coil does not exceed a user-set temperature, preventing the wick from burning and extending the lifespan of the coil.
E-Liquid Composition and Wicking Issues
The chemical composition and viscosity of the e-liquid itself play a substantial role in determining coil longevity. E-liquids are primarily composed of Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG), and the ratio of these two ingredients affects how efficiently the liquid is delivered to the coil. VG is thicker and more viscous than PG, meaning a liquid with a high VG concentration, such as 70% or 80% VG, will wick more slowly into the cotton.
If the liquid cannot saturate the wick quickly enough to keep up with the rate of vaporization, the cotton will dry out, leading to a burnt taste and premature coil failure. This is especially true for devices with smaller wicking ports. Ensuring the wick is fully saturated with liquid, a process known as priming, before the first use is important to prevent an immediate dry burn.
A more insidious culprit in coil failure is the presence of artificial sweeteners, most commonly sucralose, in the e-liquid. These sweeteners do not vaporize cleanly when heated; instead, they caramelize onto the coil wire and the surrounding wick material. This residue, often referred to as “coil gunk,” is a dark, sticky substance that progressively builds up with each use. The layer of gunk acts as a thermal insulator and a physical barrier, impeding the flow of fresh e-liquid to the heating element and causing the underlying wick to burn.
Vaping Habits That Shorten Component Life
User behavior, specifically the frequency and duration of draws, can drastically shorten the functional lifespan of a coil. “Chain vaping,” which is taking rapid, successive puffs with little time in between, is a primary factor in accelerated coil degradation. The coil needs a sufficient rest period after firing to allow the surrounding wick material to fully re-saturate with fresh e-liquid from the tank.
When a user chain vapes, the cotton does not have time to replenish the liquid that was just vaporized, and the next draw hits a partially dry wick. This action scorches the exposed cotton fibers, which introduces a permanent burnt flavor and begins the coil’s irreversible decline. Taking long, continuous draws also contributes to the issue, as the prolonged firing time generates heat that outpaces the wicking rate of even a well-saturated coil.
The way a user inhales also affects coil temperature and lifespan. Restricting the device’s airflow, either intentionally or by covering air intake ports, reduces the cooling effect of the incoming air. This restricted flow causes the coil to operate at a higher localized temperature, increasing the thermal stress on the components. To maximize component life, users should pace their draws, allowing at least 15 to 30 seconds between puffs to ensure the wick is fully saturated with liquid before the next firing cycle.