When is it time to replace your motorcycle helmet?
That’s a very common question asked by many motorcyclists all of the time. Different people have different opinions on this. Some people say you should change the helmet if it falls off your motorcycle. If it does fall, you must check the helmet and how far it fell and rolled.
Do you want to know, what my opinion is on this?
Well, that’s ‘bullshit’! One of the oldest and biggest myths I ever heard. I will only suggest that you don’t follow the instructions of these people that tell you such false stories about a helmet’s lifespan. Helmets are a one-time purchase to protect you in a crash and then are thrown away.
The primary purpose of helmets is to provide protection for you in a motorcycle crash. Now, think about this, if a helmet can’t withstand the general bumps and knocks of day-to-day life, I wonder about the ability of the helmet to protect you in a crash.
How to Take Care of Your Helmet?
Check the Materials
Just carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper care of your helmet. Most helmets have a polycarbonate shell that must not be cleaned with any petroleum-based cleaning fluids. Exposure to these types of cleaning agents can damage the composition of the helmet. A helmet has an outer fiberglass shell and an interior impact-absorbing liner that can decompose if coming in contact with such petroleum-based cleaning agents and fluids.
Handle it Gently
Make sure, you handle your helmet as a fragile item because a helmet is made to absorb high impacts during a motorcycle crash. So, if it falls on a hard surface, the integrity of the helmet could be affected and, as mentioned above, you must check the helmet and how far it fell and rolled.
Storing Your Helmet
A second important thing to remember in taking care of your helmet is to keep it in a cool, dry place. It is not wise to store your helmet near gasoline, exhaust fumes, or excessive heat. These factors can decrease the life of your helmet and result in the degradation of materials inside the helmet. And I have to tell you, it will be very difficult to notice such degradation.
Cleaning Your Helmet
When you wash the helmet and face shield area use mild soap and warm water to do the job. Make sure, your cleaning techniques don’t leave any scratch on your face shield. Otherwise, you will face difficulty while riding at night.
See Also: Best Safety Motorcycle Helmets 2024
Taking Off Your Helmet
When you take off your helmet, make sure it is stored on the right surface or put it on a separate rack. Some motorcyclists leave their helmets on the fuel tank, which may expose it to gas fumes
Helmet Customization
If you are planning to use a Bluetooth device with your speakers, then make sure the helmet has space for speakers. You shouldn’t drill holes for speakers in the outer shell of your helmet, it may affect its composition and protection capability.
Replacing Your Old Helmet
As you probably know, most helmet manufacturers suggest changing your helmet every five years. Now, you must be thinking, why replace a helmet every five years if it doesn’t appear damaged?
Right?
Well, if you are, then I will give you the best reason to change your mind. The reason is that helmets continue to be improved nowadays. Technology is advancing day by day and new helmets are developed with advanced capabilities that will provide more protection than the helmet you have been using for the last five years.
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