When to replace a Motorcycle Helmet?

Did your old motorcycle helmet fall hard on the ground? Or is it showing signs of over use? Are you planning to replace it?

Well, motorcycle helmets are quite sturdy and last for years. But it is important to know that even perfect-looking helmets can be useless when it comes to road safety. Their durability depends on their undersurface, and they are designed to withstand usual knocking and falls.

Signs to Replace a Motorcycle Helmet?

In any crash or accident, helmets are your first defense. So, you can not afford to go around with worn-out and clumsy pieces that will crush with the first blow. I have compiled a detailed checklist that will tell you if your helmet is of any use.

Check Expiration Date

The first thing that you need to do is go to the website of your manufacturer and check the expiration date of their helmets. It varies with the company you are using. For instance, AVG and Arai helmets can last for five to seven years. Snell Foundation and Consumer Product Safety Commission also recommend the same. Shoie motorcycle helmet lifespan is just three years.

However, most companies do not specify any expiration date to avoid legal problems. In that case, you have to consider different factors before tossing it away.

Shell Cracks

A shell is designed to absorb impact. Cracks in shells are a sign that they have already absorbed a significant impact and done their part in protecting you.

You might notice fine cracks in fiberglass and carbon fiber or long cracks in polycarbonate or ABS. Either way, it is necessary to toss out such helmets.

Do not confuse cracks with pealing stone chips, as they do not damage the shell and are caused by minor knocking.

Smell and Discomfort

As soon as your helmet becomes uncomfortable to wear, it is an indication to replace it. Moreover, unusual smells do not affect the functionality of the helmet directly, but it is a sign of internal degradation.

Loose Helmet

If your helmet becomes one or two sizes large for your head with excessive use. Then, it is time to replace it. This happens when the padding is compressed due to multiple small impacts.

Such helmets will shift around in a crash and exert greater rotational force in the head. Ultimately results in a higher chance of injury.

With excessive use of helmets, padding will compress. It means your helmet will become too large for your head. The shock-absorbing potential of padding is due to EPS foam. This material is similar to styrofoam cups that you use daily.

Once they are impacted by heat or trauma, they do not bounce back. So, if your eps layer is impacted, it is time to throw your helmet away. High-quality helmets have painted EPS layers. This will allow you to notice any color changes or cracks as you sign to replace it.

Fading Color

The fading color itself doesn’t do any harm to the helmet. But we all know that padding shrinks on excessive exposure to the sun. Fading shows that the EPS padding has thinned.

However, if the padding shows no crack or compression, then you can just ignore it.

Thin or Damaged Chin Straps

Chin straps do not seem very important, but they keep your helmet in place. With these straps or even with loose straps. Your helmet will not do any good. And in case of the slightest impact, it will be tossed feet away.

Therefore, if the straps are not anchored tightly to the helmet, then replace your helmet or get they fixed.

Dusty Padding

The next thing that matters to ensure the durability of a helmet is firm inner padding. If the inner padding is cracking away or changing into dust, it is a sure sign that your helmet has done its course.

Shield

The shield of your helmet is also important for protecting your eyes. So, if there are scratches or cracks on it, then change it.

Endured Impact

Now, I have been bombarded with this question: Is it okay to use an apparently fine helmet that has been in an impact?

Well, the real question is how hard the impact was. Suppose you dropped your helmet from 2-3 feet height on a grass or muddy floor or even a hard floor. There is no need to replace it.

But if it has been in an accident where it flew away feet away from you, then it is time to get rid of it. According to manufacturers, if a helmet has been in a crash at least once, it is of no use.

Negative Finger Test

You can also perform finger tests to find the durability of the shell. If you notice any rough fibers or deformation while running your fingers on the shell, then getting rid of the helmet will be a wiser option.

Age of Helmet

Now, initially I said that most manufacturers guarantee 3-5 years of lifespan of their helmets. In addition to sun exposure, another reason why helmets expire after excessive use is because of the sweat absorbing ability of helmets. The hotter environment, the more you sweat and the shorter will be their life.

After driving 30,000 miles, most of these helmets lose their functionality. On average, a bike covers this distance in 5 years; hence, a lifespan of 5 years seems appropriate. But if you use your bike rarely, then your helmet can last longer as nothing is harming it in the storage room.

Padding Will Compress

It is advisable to change your motorcycle helmet every five years. Some helmets can last longer, depending on their build and durability.

But if you are one of those riders who hit the road daily, then your helmet is likely to get damaged before five years. Your helmet doesn’t need to be in a major crash or accident before you consider throwing it away. Sun exposure and sweating can ruin the inside of the helmet.

Therefore, if your helmet is showing signs of wear and tear and it is older than five years. It will be safe to replace it.

However, it is not applicable to all helmets, especially if it is made out of durable materials. You can follow expert opinion and guidelines to know if your helmet can last.

Conclusion

In this article, I Have mentioned 12 different ways to determine if your helmet is functional or not.

If you have other queries about when to replace the motorcycle helmet, then ask us in the comments.