Nothing ruins a vaping session quite like a dry hit—that harsh, burnt taste that makes you cough and wonder what went wrong. If you’ve ever experienced this unpleasant sensation, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Let’s explore why dry hits happen and how to prevent them so you can enjoy a smooth vaping experience every time.
What Causes Dry Hits?
A dry hit occurs when the wick inside your coil isn’t properly saturated with e-liquid. Instead of vapour, you end up inhaling the taste of burning cotton. Here are some common reasons why this happens:
- Chain vaping – Taking frequent puffs without giving the coil time to reabsorb e-liquid can dry out the wick.
- High wattage settings – Running your vape at too high a wattage can vaporise the e-liquid too quickly, leading to dry hits.
- Low e-liquid levels – If your tank is running low, the wick may not absorb enough liquid, causing a burnt taste.
- Improper priming – A new coil needs to be primed with e-liquid before first use, or it may burn prematurely.
- Thick e-liquid – High VG e-liquids are thicker and may not wick properly in certain coils, leading to dry hits.
- Old or burnt-out coil – Over time, coils wear out and accumulate residue, making it harder for the wick to absorb e-liquid efficiently.
- Cold weather conditions – In colder temperatures, VG-based e-liquids thicken, slowing down wicking and increasing the chance of dry hits.
How to Prevent Dry Hits
If you’re tired of dealing with burnt-tasting vapour, follow these simple tips:
1. Prime Your Coil Properly
Before using a new coil, apply a few drops of e-liquid directly to the cotton wick. Let it sit for at least 5–10 minutes after filling your tank to ensure proper saturation. Taking a few dry pulls (inhaling without pressing the fire button) can also help speed up wicking.
2. Adjust Your Wattage
Check your coil’s recommended wattage range and stay within it. If you’re experiencing dry hits, lower the wattage slightly to prevent overheating the coil. Running a coil at too high a power level will vaporise e-liquid faster than the wick can absorb it, leading to burning.
3. Keep Your Tank Topped Up
Avoid vaping when your e-liquid is running too low. Keep your tank at least one-third full to ensure proper wicking. Some vape tanks use bottom-fed wicking systems, meaning that when liquid levels are low, the wick may not be sufficiently saturated, increasing the chance of a dry hit.
4. Use the Right E-Liquid
Not all e-liquids are suitable for every coil type. If your coil struggles to wick properly, try using an e-liquid with a higher PG content, as it’s thinner and wicks more easily than high VG blends. Sub-ohm coils generally handle high VG liquids well, while smaller coils (like those in pod systems) perform better with higher PG ratios.
5. Take Slower, Longer Puffs
Fast, frequent inhales can dry out the wick too quickly. Instead, take smooth, steady puffs to allow time for the wick to reabsorb e-liquid. If you find yourself chain vaping, consider using a higher nicotine strength to satisfy cravings more efficiently without the need for constant puffing.
6. Replace Old Coils Regularly
Even with proper care, coils don’t last forever. If you’re consistently getting dry hits or a burnt taste, your coil may be past its prime. Most coils last between one to two weeks, depending on usage. If you notice a persistent burnt taste, swap it out for a new one. We’ve got a blog explaining how to know when your pod or coil needs changing, with more info on this.
7. Keep Your Vape at the Right Temperature
If you’re vaping in cold weather, your e-liquid may thicken, reducing the efficiency of wicking. Try keeping your vape device in a warmer place or warming up the e-liquid slightly before use to maintain smooth wicking.
What to Do If You Get a Dry Hit
Sometimes, dry hits happen even with the best precautions. If you take a hit and get that dreaded burnt taste, here’s what to do:
- Stop vaping immediately – Continuing to vape will only worsen the burnt taste and further damage your coil.
- Check your e-liquid level – If it’s running low, refill your tank and let the wick absorb the liquid before vaping again.
- Try re-wicking the coil – If you’re using a rebuildable atomiser (RDA or RTA), you can replace the cotton wick to refresh the coil.
- Let your vape rest – If you’ve been chain vaping, give your coil some time to re-saturate before taking another puff.
- Replace the coil – If the burnt taste persists, it’s likely that the coil is permanently damaged and needs to be replaced.
Final Thoughts on Dry Hits
Dry hits can be frustrating, but they’re easily preventable with the right vaping habits. By priming your coil, adjusting your settings, and using the correct e-liquid, you can enjoy a consistently smooth and flavourful vape. Taking care of your device and replacing coils when necessary will also help you avoid the dreaded burnt taste. For other tips to keep your vape working well, check our guide on how to look after your vape’s battery.
