When should I replace my motorcycle helmet?

The consensus from helmet manufacturers is that the rider should replace their helmets every five years. That may seem like a lot, depending on how often you ride. This rule mostly applies to riders that hit the road every day. Riding for hours on end will only cause your helmet to degrade that much faster.

Do motorcycle helmets really expire?

Helmets have a limited lifespan because the resin and other materials used in the manufacturing process over time can be effected by your body fluids, hair oils, ultraviolet light and normal wear and tear. It is prudent advice to replace your helmet 5 years after purchase or 7 years after the production date.

How often should you replace a motorcycle helmet?

Crashes aside, many bike helmet manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every three to five years.

How do I know if I need a new motorcycle helmet?

If you notice the helmet getting loose or some of the lining coming out or it leaves little black flakes in your hair, then it's time to retire it, whether it has reached the five years or not.

What is the lifespan of a bike helmet?

The government testing body in the US, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), recommends replacing a bicycle helmet every five to 10 years. The Snell Memorial Foundation, which also certifies helmets for safety, states a firm five years.

When Should You Replace Your Motorcycle Helmet?

Do riding helmets expire?

Most major helmet manufacturers also recommend replacing your riding helmet after the "expiration date." For most helmets, the expiration date is five years from the day you purchased it. Over the years, natural wear and tear can affect the integrity of the helmet.

Do bike helmets deteriorate?

It's often recommended that a helmet worn frequently should be replaced every 3 years or so. The reason is that the foam degrades due to sun, heat, salty sweat and other environmental factors, added to the usual knocks of regular cycling activity.

How do I know if I need a new helmet?

Check in with your head. “Typically, you know if the helmet took a good hit, because a good hit to the helmet is a good hit to the head,” Parks says. “Just even the sound of the impact or the way your head felt—like if you hit hard enough to see stars—can tell you if the helmet should be replaced.”

What do you do with old bike helmets?

Does dropping a helmet ruin it?

Dropping a helmet from a short height causes minor damage to your helmet. Major drops or an accident can damage the EPS liner of your helmet. Damage to the EPS liner, which absorbs the energy, can compromise the safety ability of your helmet.

Which brand is best for helmet?

Do motorcycle helmets have a date?

Yes, motorcycle helmets do have definite expiration dates and could become less effective in the event of an auto accident. Ask yourself these questions to determine whether or not it's time for a replacement.

How do I know if my motorcycle helmet is safe?

The way to find a well-made, reliable helmet is to look for the DOT sticker on the inside or outside of the helmet. The sticker means the helmet complies with the safety test standards of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Can you test a motorcycle helmet?

Virtually every country has it's own standards but the UK's ACU gold sticker ensures a helmet has been tested to pretty much the highest standard. You're not allowed on a UK track day without one on your lid. We recommend not putting one on that doesn't have the sticker.

How tight should a motorcycle helmet be?

According to industry experts, a helmet should be comfortably snug around the entire wearer's head without resulting in pressure points. It shouldn't have any up and down or side to side movements during the ride. It shouldn't be too tight, but it shouldn't be loose either.

When should I get a new riding helmet?

You should always replace your helmet after an accident or a fall where your helmet has suffered an impact (i.e., hitting the ground). Most manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet after 5 years of use regardless.

What to do with expired helmets?

Helmets are made of a mixture of materials that aren't easily separated, and thus will likely get discarded outright if you throw them in your recycling bin. In other words, you can save time by simply binning it yourself from the start.

Are MIPS helmets worth it?

The results of the study showed that the MIPS and SPIN helmets were more successful in reducing the risk of brain trauma and injuries by 42% and 54% respectively. Another study was published in May 2021 to determine the effectiveness of new bike helmet technologies in mitigating brain injuries caused by oblique forces.

How much force does it take to crack a bike helmet?

Evaluation of the helmet-only compression data showed initial cracking that occurred in the range of 100– 200 lbf. The average cracking force was found to be 140 lbf. The skull and helmet assembly could not be crushed in the compression stand even under the maximum force experienced by the load cell (470 lbf).

Should you replace your helmet after an accident?

A rule most safety supervisors and manufacturers emphasize on following strictly is replacing a bike helmet immediately after a crash. One should remember that bike helmets are designed to absorb force upon impact, which may cause the inner foam to be damaged even if the exterior bounces back to its usual appearance.

How long are Troxel Helmets good for?

By taking care of your Troxel helmet you will ensure a longer lifespan for your product. However, due to evolving helmet standards, technologies and the potential for unseen material deterioration, it is recommended that you replace your helmet at least every five years from the date of purchase.

What is MIPS helmet?

MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection and is an 'ingredient' safety technology that over 120 brands incorporate into their helmets. In 2020, there were around 729 helmets with MIPS on the market and 7.3 million units sold.

Why do bike helmets expire?

There are a lot of things that degrade over time, like the foam and glue used in the helmet. Your body oils, sweat and UV rays also take a toll on the material, and after five years, it is for sure compromised and not offering the intended level of protection.

Are HJC helmets good?

HJC helmets are extremely comfortable, stylish and use top quality materials and safety features. We love HJC's price points too. They are reasonably priced especially given the sheer number of features they have. Bike riders of all budgets can afford to get a good quality helmet through HJC.