If you’re uncertain about changing your motorcycle helmet and have your mind around a lot of questions like how often to change motorcycle helmet? stay here.
We will explore the lifespan of motorcycle helmets, factors that can affect their durability, and provide tips on when to replace your helmet for optimal safety on the road.
Knowing your motorcycle helmet lifespan will help you stay safe in the event of an accident, regardless of how experienced you are with riding. Read on to discover more.
When To Replace Your Motorcycle Helmet?
The motorcycle helmet shell life is up to five years because it ages and deteriorates over time due to the components it is made of, So it is advised by the manufacturers to replace your helmet after every five years of usage.
It might be really dangerous for you to ride on the roads if you ignore it or do not think about changing it.
But sometimes you may need to change your helmet even before the completion of 5 years
If you see any signs of deterioration, such as loosening of the pads or cracks due to dropping.
Ensure that your helmet is in position to be used before you hit the road.
Also check: best motorcycle helmet speakers!
How Long Before Motorcycle Helmets Expire?
Because your body fluids, hair oils, ultraviolet light, and regular wear and tear can affect the resin and other components used in the production process over time, helmets have a limited lifespan.
There are a number of highly crucial factors that can determine whether a helmet lasts longer than expected or whether it needs to be changed sooner. However, manufacturers advise replacing it every 5 years.
Nevertheless, due to the components employed in it, updating it is dependent on when it expires.
Change your helmet if you see any symptoms of wear and tear, such as the padding in your helmet condensing, particularly around your cheeks, or the chin strap becoming slack, etc.
What causes helmet degradation?
It is advised to check out a few things in your helmet every time before you get on the road to see if it is ready to be used or not. These things that affect your motorcycle helmet life, include your outer shell, inner padding and the chin strap of your motorcycle helmet.
Chin Strip
In order to prevent your head from moving, check that your helmet’s chin strap is in good condition. It might wear down and loosen with usage so ensure that it is snug before driving
It is easily replaceable so there’s no need to unnecessarily buy a new helmet.
Inner paddings
The inner paddings of your motorcycle helmet shield your head from the hard interior.
With the passage of time depending upon the usage and your face structure, the inner padding would lose to fit your face, but after a lengthy period of time the condensed padding can lead to the helmet being too loose that it’d no longer fit you.
Luckily you don’t have to buy a new helmet, if your only concern is the inner paddings, they’re easily available and replaceable.
Avoid attempting to operate a motorbike while wearing a helmet with loose or no pads. The discomfort of the ride will increase as a result. Also, it will intensify the effects of your accident.
However, if your helmet is seldom used and the inside liner is somewhat worn out, it means it’s time to replace it. Similarly, if the comfort liner is worn out with little use, the EPS liner is also likely to be worn out.
EPS Liner
Expanded polystyrene, usually known as Styrofoam, is the most typical material used for the inner liner. It is also known as EPS.
The layer between the outer shell and the inner padding is the EPS liner. It cannot be changed and is not detachable from the helmet.
EPS liners will outlast pretty much any other component on the helmet and retain its protective features for a really long time because they cannot degrade and break down from oil, sweat, and common chemicals we use on our face and hair.
Although it’s difficult to tell if your EPS liner is damaged or not, specialists can determine this by scanning the helmet.
One sign that may indicate the wearing out of EPS is when the inside paddings of the helmet start to deteriorate even with little use.
Outer Shell
Check the colors on the outer shell of your helmet to check if they have faded; this would indicate that the materials it is composed of, have degraded.
The most common materials used to make helmets include fiberglass, carbon fiber, Kevlar, ABS, and polycarbonate.
These materials will naturally deteriorate if exposed to UV rays for an extended length of time, according to studies.
Moreover, keep an eye out for fractures, cracks, and other structural concerns..
Glue
The glue holding the pads to the rest of the helmet begins to deteriorate due to too much sweat and moisture and could cause you a risk, as it’s one of the reasons why helmets expire.
Check out motorcycle helmet brands to avoid.
Other Reasons Motorcycle Helmets Expire
Helmets expire due to the degradation of the components it is made of.
Some of the reasons why helmets expire also include the weather, climate or being involved in an accident.
Weather
The main causes of helmet wear-down are exposure to rain and sunlight; if you commute every day in all weather, replacing your helmet on a regular basis is a very good idea.
Climate
The bike helmet lifespan will be impacted if you ride in high heat, humidity, or cold, especially if you go between them quickly.
Cleaner/Road Debris
Your helmet can become damaged by substances like road debris, cleaners, gasoline,, and other everyday objects.
Dropping Accident
Also, make sure to change your helmet if it has been dropped down several times or has ever been involved in an accident because it may have damaged the outer shell or even the EPS Liner.
Is The Five Years Helmet Replacing a Marketing Gimmick?
The 5 year rule is not a marketing gimmick; rather, it is a way to guarantee riders’ protection throughout the term of its application.
Your helmet may last longer if you just occasionally use it and store it somewhere dry and out of direct sunlight.
On the other hand if you ride everyday in all sorts of weather and conditions then your helmet is suffering some abuse and will need to be replaced sooner.
Date of Nanufacture vs Date of Purchase
Your helmet will have a date of manufacture stamped on it, but neither a purchase date nor a motorcycle helmet expiration date are present.
It is quite uncommon to buy a helmet that has just left the manufacturer, unless it is the newest model that was just released.
Some stores may carry helmets that have been sitting on the shelf for a few years, so it is very important to check the date of manufacturing.
According to google research, A motorcycle helmet should be valid for the next 5 years from the date of purchase if it is cared for and used under normal circumstances and has a manufacture date of 2 years prior to purchase.
What is a motorcycle helmet made of?
In order to protect the rider’s head, a motorcycle helmet is often built of several layers of materials.
Typically, a durable thermoplastic, fiberglass, or carbon fiber composite substance makes up the outside shell.
Polystyrene foam that has been stretched makes up the inner shell.
and a helmet’s interior is often constructed of a soft material like nylon or polyester
How About An Old Helmet That Hasn’t Been Worn?
A Helmet that hasn’t been worn yet, or is still packed in its cover in a box, will degrade over time too because it’s still aging according to some experts.
But some suggest that the helmet is unaffected and safe to use even after so many years. But my genuine question is, why would anyone want to wear a 10 years old helmet when the new ones are more advanced?
An unused helmet may last 5-7 years according to Quora, after that if you’re still using it, you’re definitely taking a risk.
How Long Is A Motorcycle Helmet Good For FAQs
Yes motorcycle helmets expire over time, the materials and the resin used during the manufacturing process are affected by the UV rays and body fluids etc.
The manufacturing date of your helmet is located inside the helmet, under the comfort liner, affixed to the EPS Liner. If you can’t find it there, make sure your helmet is updated.
A motorcycle helmet doesn’t come with an expiry date sticker.
Yes, They do, but slowly because they aren’t exposed to weather and wear and tear. Always try to verify the manufacturing date before buying.
If you accidentally drop your helmet while holding it, and there’s no obvious damage, there is no need to replace your helmet but yes, if you’ve been down the road and struck your motorcycle crash helmets, there’s a good chance it needs replacing. If it’s got scrapes or dents then almost certainly.
It’s very risky to wear an expired helmet as it cannot provide you the safety you’re wearing it for and the experience itself will be very uncomfortable too.
Wrapping it up!
I must include that before you hit the road, make sure you’re wearing a used motorcycle helmets that is in good condition and in a position to be used.
Understanding the lifespan of a motorcycle helmet is crucial for every rider’s safety.
Helmets are made of different materials and certain resins that could degrade over time with exposure to certain things such as the sun or body fluids (sweat) etc.
The general recommendation is to replace your helmet every 5 years according to experts. To ensure maximum protection it’s important to inspect your helmet for signs of wear and tear every time before you wear it.
After reading the guidelines in this article, I’m sure you’ll know enough about your helmet’s lifespan and ensure your safety on roads out there!
If you’ve got any questions in your mind, please let us know in the comments below, we love to help you. Thank you for reading.
For additional information, check our guide on anti fog for motorcycle helmets.
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