A helmet wears out and breaks down over time, not just because of aging. The replacement of any commodity relies on the kind of usage it has been through.
Three things decide the motorcycle helmet’s lifespan: how often it’s used, how well it was made, and how well it was taken care of when it was new.
The lifespan of a Motorcycle Helmet
According to industry standards, even the best motorcycle helmet has a five-year life expectancy. If you haven’t shortened its life by accident or collision, then it’s OK. You should stop using the helmet and throw it away as soon as it occurs.
If you are a frequent rider, your helmet will get a lot of use. So, in the long run, you’ll have to get rid of it. How often do you replace motorcycle helmets? What is the average motorcycle helmet lifespan? If it hasn’t been in an accident or had a lot of damage, think about it every three to five years.
There are specific safety parameters that need your attention to determine when to replace your helmet. These parameters will help you decide if your helmet needs a kick out.
How often do you wear a helmet?
If you wear your helmet every day, it gets a lot of wear and tear. It may not be obvious, but your helmet loses its strength over time. It is advised to clean the helmet periodically to restore it to its most good avatar.
You can also keep it in a safer place, away from dirt and dust. Avoid putting it in a high area since this might lead to it being torn when it falls.
Does your helmet fit nicely onto your head?
Your helmet should keep your head in place. You don’t want to get into an accident with a helmet that isn’t tight. Before considering a motorcycle helmet’s lifespan, you must consider your lifespan.
There is a link between helmets that don’t fit well and brain injuries, so make sure yours fits well or get a new one. A new helmet fits you very well. If you shake or turn your head, it stays stuck to your head like glue. Just perform an easy test on your helmet to ensure it is working fine.
Shake your head to the side. Does it stay on your head, or does it move? You may need to buy a new helmet if your helmet moves when you shake your head. Another thing you can do is look for dents in the foam lining of your helmet.
How well is your helmet’s interior?
Most of the time, it isn’t the outside shell that breaks down first. It’s usually the lining and foam inside the helmet, but it can be anything else. If the inside of your helmet starts to fall apart, that is a good sign that you need to get a new one.
In either case, you’d seriously think about getting a new helmet. This is because the EPS liner usually has black paint. You can also look inside your helmet for small white cracks that have formed inside.
If this happens, then the helmet’s structural integrity is weakening, and it will not deal with a lot of force well. Be careful if you use hair products because that can help damage the inside of your helmet.
You might want to check how to wear hair under a motorcycle helmet.
How well is your helmet’s exterior?
If the shell of your helmet is brittle, has cracks, or starts to fall apart, you need to buy a new helmet. I think this is obvious, but I just want to make sure that wearing a helmet in this weak state is unsafe.
The shell is the first thing people touch when they have an accident. Because this part needs to be very strong and durable, If there are any cracks in the shell, your head will be at risk of getting hurt right away if you get into an accident.
Has your helmet been through an accident?
This should be obvious. If you have been in an accident, you might need a new helmet. You need to check your helmet very carefully and, if necessary, have it x-rayed to see if there is any damage to it.
You won’t be safe if you wear a helmet that is broken. The helmet should not have been in an accident. It’s not worth your life to save a few bucks.
Is the strap or lock working?
If it looks like the straps on your helmet don’t work right anymore. Wearing your helmet a lot may have made your strap locks rust. This is because of the weather and dirt on them.
Your helmet chin strap is essential for keeping your helmet on your head. If this part doesn’t work right, a new helmet might be in order.
Conclusion
When it comes to replacing your helmet, the five-year rule is a good general guideline, but it’s up to you to decide when it’s time for a new one. This is based on the amount of wear and how well it’s been taken care of, not just its age.
