Let’s imagine you managed to get some spare time from a hectic schedule, but your vape gives a burning taste when you drag it from the mouthpiece.
This unpleasant burning taste is a dry hit.
A dry hit can occur for different reasons that we will be discussing in this article. But before that, let’s see what happens when you take a dry hit.
Also Read: How To Stop Vape Coil From Burning?
What is a Dry hit?

When you take a dry drag, the coils get too hot due to lack of juice and start burning the wicking material.
The burnt flavor from the wick makes its way into your mouth, giving you a very unpleasant taste. Not only that, but it can also lead to coughing and an itchy throat.
Dry hits are more common when using sub-ohm tanks and high-VG e-liquids as they require more power to vaporize.
This increased power output can lead to a dry hit if the coils are not primed properly or the low e-liquid level in the tank.
Similar Guide: Why Does My Vape Tastes Metallic?
What causes dry hits in vapes?
There can be several reasons for a dry hit; let’s discuss them individually.
1- Coils are not primed
This is the most common reason for a dry hit. Coils need to be saturated with e-liquid before they can be used. This process is called priming the coils.
If you don’t prime the coils properly, the cotton will dry out quickly, leading to a dry hit.
2- High wattage vaping
If you vape at a higher wattage, the coils will get too hot and burn the wicking material. This will lead to a dry hit.
3- Chain vaping
Chain vaping is when you take multiple drags quickly without taking a break. This can lead to a dry hit as the coils will not have enough time to cool down between drags.
4- Less Airflow
Some air passes through the vape coil whenever you take a drag, decreasing the vapor and cloud temperature. As a result, you won’t get high-temperature vapor in your mouth.
But, for some reason, airflow reduces and won’t cool down the vape coil. Hence, you get high-temperature vapors that taste burn and hit your throat.
5- Low e-liquid level
If the e-liquid level in the tank is low, the coil wick will not be properly saturated and will start burning the wicking material. This will lead to a dry hit.
5- Burnt coils
If the coils are bunt and clogged with residue, they will not be able to vaporize the e-liquid properly. This unvaporized e-liquid directly hits your throat, and you get an unpleasant taste.
6- Higher VG/PG ratio
E-liquids with a higher VG/PG ratio are more viscous. This means it takes more time for the liquid to reach the coil and saturate it. Also, it needs the correct temperature setting to vaporize it properly.
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How to avoid dry hits when vaping?
Now that we know what causes dry hits let’s see how we can avoid them.
1- Prime the coils properly
This is the most important thing you can do to avoid a dry hit. Make sure to saturate the coils with e-liquid before vaping.
2- Take breaks while vaping
If you chain vape, the coils will not have enough time to cool down and will eventually burn the wicking material. So, take breaks between drags to avoid a dry hit.
3- Use high-quality coils
If you use low-quality coils, they will not be able to vaporize the e-liquid properly and will lead to a dry hit. So, make sure to use high-quality coils.
4- Clean the coils regularly
If the coils are clogged with residue, they will not be able to vaporize the e-liquid properly. This unvaporized e-liquid directly hits your throat, and you get an unpleasant taste. So, clean the coils regularly to avoid this issue.
5- Top-up e-liquid
If the e-liquid level in the tank is low, the coil wick will not be properly saturated and will start burning the wicking material. This will lead to a dry hit. So, check the e-liquid level regularly and top it up when needed.
6- Change your vape juice
If you have tried all the above tricks but still getting dry hits, then try a different e-liquid. Some e-liquids have a higher VG/PG ratio and might not be suitable for your vaping device.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my vape is dry hit?
What happens if you vape without juice?
Can dry hits kill you?
Why do I taste cotton when I vape?
Conclusion
Dry hits are an unpleasant experience that vapers can sometimes encounter, especially when using sub-ohm tanks and high-VG e-liquids. By following these tips, you can enjoy a better vaping experience and avoid those nasty dry hits.