When should I change my motorcycle helmet?

Buying a helmet is investing in a rider's main safety system, but do you know when to replace it? Did you think the life of a helmet was infinite?

There are many factors that influence the useful life of a motorcycle helmet, such as: the manufacturing materials, the use, how we take care of it or the climate that surrounds us, among others. What is clear is that absolutely all the motorcycle helmets need to be renewed every X time, based on everything we have just said. For this reason, today we are going to analyze each of these factors.

The materials it is made of

This is one of the main factors that can make us change the helmet earlier than expected, unless when we buy it we already know its characteristics. The expiration date of a helmet is marked by the material from which it is made.

The most typical are those made with polycarbonate or thermoplastic resin and these must be renewed after approximately 5 years.

On the other hand, those made of carbon or glass fibers, generally take longer to lose their properties. And, if we keep them in good condition, they can last between 8 and 10 years, but their sale price is usually much higher than those of polycarbonate or ABS.

For damages, falls or accidents

Although we think that nothing happens, every time the helmet falls to the ground it runs the risk of suffering micro-tears that affect its structural capacity. Obviously, we should not change it every time we drop it, but we must be careful with it and be attentive to small cracks that may appear in the shell, both internal and external, as a result of the blow.

In the event of an accident or fall, it is a more than justified time to change it and replace it with a new one.

Has been exposed to the sun

Sunlight is one of the most important wear-resistant elements. If our helmet has been regularly exposed to the sun, the fibers that make it up will have deteriorated due to UV rays. That is why we must avoid leaving the helmet exposed to the sun for long periods.

The interior is run down

If the foams begin to be very worn or we see that the EPS or interior polystyrene begins to degrade, it will be time for a change.

And even more so if any of the pieces come off. The use is, along with the accidents and the passage of time, the main enemy of a helmet.

The closure system is broken

Many users are unaware that if a helmet is not fastened correctly, the result will be the same as if it were not worn. For this reason, if the closure system is broken, excessively worn or does not close with the consistency it should, you have to choose to leave that helmet stored at home and buy a new one. The same thing happens with the tapes that hold the closure. If they start to break, it's time to change.

And finally, let's not forget the visor.

Oddly enough, the helmet visor is an important safety feature. It is responsible for protecting us from impacts from stones, objects, insects... as well as preventing the wind from wreaking havoc on us. As if this were not enough, if we choose smoked visors, we will also have protection against light. Do not forget that any object reaches us with the speed of a projectile.

If after analyzing all these factors, you think that your helmet needs a change urgently. We are at your disposal to help you in the acquisition of the new one. Also, remember that there is a wide variety of helmets to choose from, keeping in mind their characteristics, their design or their price.