All things get old. They all have a lifetime. This means that they can only survive for a certain period of time. Therefore, they need to be replaced at some point or another.
When should you replace your motorcycle helmet? We’ll discuss this topic below. Read on to know more.
How Often Should You Replace Your Motorcycle Helmet?
If you ask motorcycle helmet manufacturers, you’ll get different answers to this simple question.
Some state that a helmet’s lifespan is just 5 years while others say it’s 7 years.
However, as a rule of thumb, everyone in the motorcycle industry states that the perfect time to replace a motorcycle helmet is every five years.
Why do different manufacturers claim different lifespans for their motorcycle helmets? There are many factors that can answer this question.
Primarily, this is because different manufacturers from different motorcycle helmet brands use different manufacturing materials.
However, the most crucial factor that can tell a motorcycle helmet’s lifespan is its usage. Different users use their motorcycle helmets differently.
Naturally, their time of wear and tear can vary because of this reason. Indeed, the answer to the question will depend on a lot of different factors. Let’s discuss these further below.
Is There an Expiration Date for Your Motorcycle Helmet?
The production date of helmet is usually found on a sticker underneath the comfort liner or under the padding.
Manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet approximately 7 years after the date of production.
Primarily, this is because different manufacturers from different motorcycle helmet brands use different manufacturing materials.
However, the most crucial factor that can tell a motorcycle helmet’s lifespan is its usage. Different users use their motorcycle helmets differently.
Naturally, their time of wear and tear can vary because of this reason. Indeed, the answer to the question will depend on a lot of different factors. Let’s discuss these further below.
Is There an Expiration Date for Your Motorcycle Helmet?
The production date of helmet is usually found on a sticker underneath the comfort liner or under the padding.
Manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet approximately 7 years after the date of production.
Note that all helmets produced after 1974 already have a production date. If the helmet has no production date stamped on it, then it’s already expired.
The common rule according to manufacturers is to change your motorcycle helmet with regular use every 5 years.
Arai suggests to replace your motorcycle helmet after 5 years of usage, while Shoe proposes replacing your helmet 7 years after the production date.
However, almost everyone in the industry of motorcycle proposes that it takes 5 years before your motorcycle helmet expires.
Circumstances When to Quickly Replace Your Helmet
Since your helmet has really no exact expiration date, you need to consider the circumstances when you must replace your motorcycle helmet.
Below are some of the conditions when you need to consider immediately replacing your motorcycle helmet:
- When you drop your motorcycle helmet
- When it sweats heavily due to everyday use
- When there’s at least one defective part on the helmet
- When you found the material is not authentic
- When accidents occurred while using the helmet
Also Read: 15 Best Motocross Helmets
Parts of The Helmet
Replacing your motorcycle helmet is not only based on the length of use. All the parts of the helmet should be in good condition.
Inspecting your helmet may determine if you already have to replace it. Moreover, it is advisable to familiarize yourself on the parts of your helmet.
4 Main Parts of the Motorcycle Helmet
- Comfort Liner or EPS foam layer – The foam layer found on the ear part of the helmet. It is covered by a comfort liner pad made either from a cloth or leather.
- EPS liner – EPS stands for Expanded Polystyrene liner. It is the part under the shell of the helmet. It provides a soothing fit for the head of the rider.
- Outer Shell – This is the hard outside covering part of the helmet. Its materials are from casted Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. It contains fiberglass, carbon fiber, and Kevlar. The outer shell is especially designed to avoid the penetration of pointed objects that may hurt the skull.
- The Retention System – This is the part of the helmet also called chin straps. It secures the helmet on the head of the rider. This part is made from nylon.
Other Parts of the Motorcycle Helmet
To determine if you already need to replace your motorcycle helmet, it is also helpful to know the other parts of it.
Below is the list of the other important parts of your motorcycle helmet. You should inspect them as well.
- Air vents – This part can be found on the top of the head, on the forehead, on the face shield, or on the chin bar.
- Motorcycle Helmet Cheek Pads – The cheek pads are on the right and left of the helmet. Their sizes depend on the outer shell. They should fit properly, touching your cheeks.
- Helmet Face Shields and Visors – This part is the protection for the face and eyes of the rider when driving. This is made from the plastics of polycarbonate. The design may be clear, colored, or tinted.
Furthermore, below are the other parts of the motorcycle helmet that you should also know. They are also vital in the inspection of your helmet.
- Base gasket
- Breath deflector
- Chinstrap
- Comfort liner
- Double “D” ring
- Eyeport gasket
- Impact absorbent liner
- Mouth vent
- Outer shell
- Pro shield
- Rear vent
- Side plate
- Side vent
- Super vent
- Spoiler
Replacing Your Helmet Due to Defective Parts
The defective part of the motorcycle helmet is already a hint to replace it. These are some more reasons why you must replace your motorcycle helmet:
- The retention system or comfort padding of the motorcycle helmet has displayed signs of poor quality or strength. It became loose due to heavy use.
- Your helmet encountered an impact or strike.
- There are white scratches on the areas with black paint.
- Loose synthetic foam padding.
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Conclusion
A motorcycle helmet is an important gear for your protection as you drive on the road.
Although it does not secure your 100% safety, it protects one of the most important part of your body – your head.
That’s why it’s important to know when should you replace your motorcycle helmet.
Although there is no definite time when you must replace your motorcycle helmet, it’s safe to follow the rule of replacing every five years.
However, if other circumstances that require the need for replacement occur, you must consider replacing your motorcycle helmet as soon as possible.
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David Williams is an author with a passion for motorcycles and all things related to the world of two-wheeled vehicles. His expertise is evident on his website, The Moto Expert, where he shares his knowledge and insights with fellow enthusiasts. Follow him on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest motorcycle news, reviews, and trends. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, David’s content is sure to inform and entertain. Join his community and become a part of the conversation today.