If you’re searching for “How long are motorcycle helmets good for?” then I guess you’re a motorcycle rider! This question may arise after using the helmet for a while or at that time when you decide to spend a good amount of money on a helmet. So, in two cases you want to know! the first one is when you’re using a helmet for a long period of time and the second one is when you want to replace your helmet to buy a new one.
Introduction
Motorcycle helmets are the most important safety gear for motorcycle riders, it’s protect their heads from critical head injuries during an accident. That’s why you need to ensure your helmet is always in good condition. The quality of helmets is degraded after a few years, but exactly how long are motorcycle helmets good for? In this article, you will know how long a motorcycle last or the lifespan of a motorcycle helmet, and how you can maintain motorcycle helmets for better safety.
The Lifespan Of Motorcycle Helmets
Before going to answer the queries about how long are motorcycle helmets good, let’s know the factors that affect the lifespan of motorcycle helmets.
Quality Of Materials
The quality of materials used in the construction of motorcycle helmets plays a significant role in determining the lifespan of a motorcycle helmet. The helmets are made of high-quality materials including carbon fiber, polycarbonate, fiberglass, etc. and this material offers better safeguard and longevity than other helmets made from cheaper materials.
Frequency Of Use
The more you use the helmet the quicker it will have wear and tear. Regularly using a helmet exposes the helmet to environmental elements, and impact forces which can degrade the helmet material over time.
Impact And Damage
Normally motorcycle helmets are designed to absorb the impact forces during accidents and protect our heads. but during any kind of impact on motorcycle helmets it gets affected like the outer shell and inner may have carks after that, which is not visible if you don’t check carefully. Your helmet may lose its padding after a normal impact and these things reduce the lifespan of a motorcycle! not only that these impacts can compromise the helmet structure.
Exposure To Sunlight And Extreme Temperatures
Exposure to the outside environment like sunlight and extreme temperatures can fasten the deterioration of a helmet. The ultraviolet rays(UV) rays can degrade the helmet’s shell and its inner side padding and on the other hand, extreme heat or cold can cause the helmet material to become more brittle or lose its protective properties.
Signs Of Helmet Deterioration
How do you know that you need to replace the old helmets? how do you know the signs of helmet deterioration? let’s talk
Wear and tear:
after using it for years you will notice scratches, dents, or scuffs on the shell of the motorcycle helmet. minor things may not be the main reason for detention but extensive wear and tear can weaken the protective capabilities of a motorcycle helmet.
Loose Padding:
You may have noticed the padding is not like before, it’s loosened after use years after, the same thing happened to me, currently, I own two helmets and I used one helmet for about 10000km and after that, I found the padding is not like before, and it’s a washable so, after using for one or two years the quality degrades.
Crack Or Damage Shell:
if you faced any impact on your helmet the outer shell may get cracks and fractures. sometimes you may get helmet crack or damage because of some unwanted reason! like for me I wanted to put the helmet on a higher table and it drops directly to the floor and the helmet gets dented after that.
Faded color:
This is a sign that you’re using your helmet extensively and for a longer period of time. I have an MT helmet and after using it for about 10000 km on my bike the color gets faded after that! means you have used the helmet in the outside environment or used it for a long period.
Chin Straps:
The chin straps of a helmet play a vital role in providing optimum safety to the motorcycle rider. You have to take a look at the strap quality after using it for years, if it is damaged somehow or the strap locking system is not working properly then it’s time to get a new one.
How Long Are Motorcycle Helmets Good For?
The general guideline is to replace your helmet every five years, even if it appears to be in good condition. while there is no ser expiration date for motorcycle helmets, they are not designed to last indefinitely.
Importance Of Replacing An Old Helmet
- Reduced Effectiveness: The longer you use your helmet the more wear and tear it will have, you will see small cracks, and dents. another main factor is the material deterioration and the internal components of the helmet may become very less effective to absorb the impact shock.
- Safety Risk: An old helmet may cause may risk due to reduced functionality. The inner and outer shell structures could be comprised after use for years, making it less effective in withstanding the impact forces. So you can reduce the risk and further injuries by replacing the old motorcycle helmets.
- Compliance With Helmet Standards: The safety feature of a motorcycle helmet evolve over time as new technology comes. By replacing your old helmet you can ensure that you’re using the latest safety features product which is much more secure than old ones.
Maintaining And Caring Tips For Motorcycle Helmets
don’t skip this part! I guess you maintain your bikes pretty well? right? the answer will be yes! so, now you should also give yourself some time to maintain your motorcycle helmets! which can protect your head from potential injury during an impact. Maintaining a motorcycle helmet is very easy and it takes very less time to do it. More importantly, by doing this, you can ensure better safety and a longer lifespan of your helmet.
Cleaning Tips
Clean After Ride
it is very much important to clean your helmet after a Sunday ride or weekend ride! to clean your helmet you can use mild soap which contains less amount of ph level because it can affect the paints of your motorcycle helmet. There are products available that can be used to clean the helmet properly. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the helmet materials.
Interior Padding Cleaning
Nowadays most helmets come with washable inner padding, but you need to clean it after using it for a while. it is not advisable to clean your helmet padding regularly because it may affect the fitting. you can use foam-based cleaner to clean the inside padding at least twice a month, and also please wear a balaclava on your head before wearing a helmet.
Visor Cleaning
Another important thing is to clean the motorcycle helmet. you should clean your motorcycle helmet visor regularly, before and after the ride. You will need a very soft cotton cloth to clean the visor! there are some products available in the market that can easily clean the helmet visor in minutes.
Regular Inspection
Performing Regular inspections of your helmet ensures its safety. Here are what to look for during the inspection of a motorcycle helmet.
Shell Condition
Check for any cracks, dents, or damage to the outer shell. Sometimes you also need to check the inner shell. because the helmet can get a tinny crack inside which is not visible from the outside or by looking at the outer shell.
Retention System
Inspect the chain strap, buckle, and fastener for any signs of tear and damage. Ensure all are tightened perfectly.
Interior Padding
this is one of the important components to check! because these things absorb the shock and protect the head from injuries. check the padding quality, don’t comprise on these things.
Visor And Visor Fittings
check the visor mechanism, hinges and ventilation also make sure the visor connector is in good condition. Also, make sure the fitting of the visor is good.
Conclusion
Helmets are not designed to last forever their effectiveness diminishes slowly over time. We get one life, so don’t compromise on safety. If you’re thinking that particular things of a helmet are not working properly. then you should inspect the helmet very carefully and replace it if needed. Hope I cleared your queries about “how long are motorcycle helmets good for”
FAQ
How long does a motorcycle helmet usually last?
On average, motorcycle helmets last between 3 to 5 years, depending on usage, care, and environmental conditions.
Can I still use a helmet with minor cracks?
No, even minor cracks can compromise the structural integrity of the helmet, reducing its effectiveness. It is advisable to replace the helmet.
What should I do if my helmet has been involved in an accident?
it should be replaced immediately if you faced any accident recently, even if there are no visible signs of damage.
Are expensive helmets more durable than cheaper ones?
Expensive helmets often use higher-quality materials and construction methods, making them more durable. However, it is essential to choose a helmet that meets safety standards and fits properly, regardless of the price.
what is the Shoei helmet lifespan?
The company recommends replacing your helmet 3 years after your purchase.
How often should I replace my motorcycle helmet?
It is generally recommended to replace your motorcycle helmet every five years
Can I extend the lifespan of my helmet with maintenance?
While regular maintenance, such as cleaning the shell and padding, can help prolong the lifespan of your helmet, it cannot eliminate the need for eventual replacement.
Is it safe to buy a used motorcycle helmet?
It is generally recommended to avoid purchasing a used motorcycle helmet. The history and potential impact damage of a used helmet are often unknown, and it may not provide the same level of protection as a new helmet.
Are more expensive helmets better in terms of lifespan?
The price of a helmet does not necessarily dictate its lifespan. While more expensive helmets often incorporate higher-quality materials and advanced features and safety standards
What should I do with my old helmet?
you can keep the old buddy! you can sticker them and you can showcase them in your garage or in your room, this is my personal choice 🙂
Also, check Are Motorcycle Helmets Bulletproof? Debunking The Myth
