Dry hits are one of the most frustrating things that can happen when you're trying to enjoy a vape session. That burnt, harsh sensation in your throat? It’s not just unpleasant — it’s a sign something’s off with your device or your vaping routine. The good news is: dry hits are totally preventable. In this guide, we’ll break down what causes them, how to stop them, and how to keep your vape experience smooth and flavorful.
What a Dry Hit Feels Like and Why It Happens
A dry hit happens when the coil inside your vape heats up without enough e-liquid on the wick. Instead of vaporizing juice, it burns the dry cotton or wicking material, resulting in a terrible burnt flavor and a scratchy, unpleasant feeling in your throat.
It usually feels like:
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A sharp, burnt taste that overwhelms your e-liquid flavor
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A dry, hot puff that irritates your throat
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Very little vapor or harsh, thin clouds
It’s basically your device telling you, “I’m running dry — help!”
The Real Reasons Behind Dry Hits
Dry hits can sneak up on both beginners and seasoned vapers. Here are the most common causes:
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Not priming a new coil: If you don’t let the coil soak up enough e-liquid before using it, the cotton inside can burn right away.
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Low e-liquid level: When your tank is almost empty, there may not be enough juice reaching the wick.
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High wattage settings: If you're pushing more power than your coil can handle, it heats up too fast and dries out the wick.
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Chain vaping: Taking puff after puff without pause doesn’t give the wick time to absorb more juice.
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Thick or sweet e-liquids: High VG (vegetable glycerin) liquids or heavily sweetened flavors flow more slowly, especially in smaller coils.
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Old or dirty coils: Used coils can get clogged or gunked up, which slows down wicking and leads to dryness.
Understanding these triggers is the first step to fixing them.
Simple Fixes You Can Do Right Now
You don’t need fancy tools or advanced knowledge to avoid dry hits. Most of the time, a few simple tweaks will completely solve the problem.
Prime Your Coil Before You Vape
Every time you install a new coil, make sure to prime it. This just means saturating the wick before turning on the device.
Here’s how:
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Drip 3–5 drops of e-liquid directly into the exposed cotton on the coil.
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Fill your tank with juice.
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Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before your first puff — this gives the wick time to soak fully.
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If your device has adjustable wattage, take your first few puffs at the low end of the recommended range.
Skipping this step is one of the fastest ways to burn out a new coil.
Keep Your E-Liquid Level Up
Don’t wait until your tank is almost empty to refill. When the juice drops below the cotton ports on your coil, the wick starts to dry out — especially if you’re holding the device upright.
Tip: Tilt your vape slightly when you inhale, especially if you’re running low, so juice flows toward the coil.
Adjust Your Wattage Settings
Check the recommended wattage range printed on your coil. If you're vaping above that range, you’re probably overheating the wick.
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Stay within the safe range (for example, 40–60W)
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Start low and increase gradually
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If you want big clouds, make sure your coil and wick can handle the power
Running too hot = dry hits waiting to happen.
Take a Break Between Puffs
Chain vaping is when you take several hits in a row with little or no pause. It’s tempting, but it can overwhelm the wick and cause it to dry out faster than it can re-saturate.
Here’s what to do:
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Wait a few seconds between puffs
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Take slower, longer inhales instead of short rapid ones
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If your vape gets hot, give it time to cool
Treat your coil like a sponge — it needs time to reload with juice.
Use the Right E-Liquid for Your Coil
E-liquid comes in different ratios of PG (propylene glycol) and VG (vegetable glycerin). High VG juice is thicker and moves more slowly through the wick, which can cause dry hits if your coil isn’t designed for it.
Use higher PG blends (like 50/50) for:
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Pod systems
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Low-wattage coils
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Mouth-to-lung vaping
Reserve high VG (like 70/30) for sub-ohm tanks and coils with large wicking holes.
Also, avoid overly sweetened juices if your coil can’t handle the gunk buildup.
When to Replace Your Coil
Even if you're doing everything right, coils don’t last forever. Over time, the wick gets clogged or burned, and the coil’s performance drops.
Watch for these signs:
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Flavor is dull, burnt, or just “off”
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Vapor production is weak
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Gurgling sounds or spitback
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E-liquid turns darker than usual
Most coils last 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how often you vape and what juice you use. Don’t try to push it — a fresh coil makes all the difference.
Still Getting Dry Hits? Try These Extra Tips
If you’ve primed your coil, adjusted settings, and kept your tank full but still get dry hits, try these bonus fixes:
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Clean your tank regularly: Old juice residue can block e-liquid flow.
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Switch to mesh coils: These heat more evenly and are less prone to burning the wick.
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Open the airflow: Restricted airflow increases coil heat — which can dry out the wick faster.
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Use temperature control mode: If your device supports it, temp control helps avoid overheating.
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Try tilting while vaping: Sometimes e-liquid pools away from the wick, especially in wide tanks.
Even minor changes to your routine can make a big difference.
Looking for Vape or Popular Vape Flavors?
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Final Thoughts
Dry hits can ruin a good vape session, but they’re not something you have to live with. Once you understand why they happen, you can stop them in their tracks. Whether it's priming your coil, adjusting your settings, or just giving your wick a little time to catch up, the fixes are simple and effective.
The key takeaway? Keep your wick wet, your power in check, and your coil happy — and you’ll enjoy smoother, tastier, and way more satisfying puffs.
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