Many cyclists wonder when exactly they should replace their bike helmets. This is because the helmet keeps them safe from head injuries in case of cycling accidents. So, how often you should replace your bike helmet?
The average time to replace your bike helmet should be three to five years after buying it. However, you should replace it before the mentioned years end if you encounter a head crash.
Usually, the helmet design allows it to accommodate a single head crash. So, falling or crashing may also dictate how often you should replace your bike helmet.
Save for the above circumstances; it’s difficult to tell when you should replace your bike helmet as this decision varies from one cyclist to another.
If, for instance, you notice that some parts on your bike helmet are failing, you should replace it immediately.
According to research, 51% of cyclists in the United States who succumbed to injuries had no helmets. Based on these findings, bike helmets play a significant role in your overall cycling safety.
That’s why you need to know when to replace your bike helmet to make sure your cycling is 100% safe.
How Often Should You Replace Your Bike Helmet? (Detailed Explanation)
Wearing your helmet isn’t all about having a safe ride. Instead, you must ensure that your helmet’s performance is at its best for it to offer you utmost protection.
Unfortunately, there are times when your bike helmet doesn’t offer you the safety it’s intended to. Maybe it fell and got dents, or you had a head crash while in it.
Either way, you need to get it replaced immediately so that you can be sure that you’re protected.
Here are some instances when you have to consider replacing your bike helmet;
1. Replace Your Bike Helmet After A Crash
A head crash renders your bike helmet useless, whether you bought it yesterday or a few years ago. Usually, the helmet is made to absorb one impact, thanks to the foam liner put together by the hard plastic shell.
After a head crash, the foam liner inside the helmet compresses to protect you from the fall’s impact. So the crash damages the helmet’s internal structure such that it’s no longer at its peak condition.
The helmet literally gets damaged on your behalf. That’s why you need to replace it immediately so that the foam liner cushions you from injuries.
2. Go For A Bike Helmet Replacement When The Polystyrene Foam Degrades.
Helmets.org mentions a Study by MEA Forensic- foam liners of used but uncrushed helmets can stay in perfect working condition for as many as 26 years. However, shell damage from UV light degrades the helmet’s foam by exposing it.
As a result, the shell weakens and dries out, thus fails to serve its purpose. When the polystyrene foam degrades, it can no longer protect you from injuries.
This is the time you need to replace your bike helmet for maximum shielding from injuries.
3. Presence Of Cracks, Dents, Or Visible Damage On The Shell
It’s essential to know that your bike helmet needs a lot of care for it to last for long. However, it may accidentally fall, but you’re unsure whether it spoilt.
You need to use the vent to check if inside parts got cracks, bumps, or scratches. In addition, confirm whether the exposed EPS is chipped.
Remember, the helmet might show visible damage or cracks on the hard outer shell. If so, replace the helmet immediately for proper working conditions.
4. Replace Your Bike Helmet After Five Years Of Use
According to The Snell Group Foundation, the first group to make safety helmets, you need to replace your helmet every five years. Why would it be five years but not any other figure?
First, after this time, new technology has come bringing the production of better helmets in terms of design, material, and standards. As a result, it’s advisable to replace your helmet with one with better and advanced safety features.
Second, your helmet’s exposure to cleaners, cosmetics, hair oils, body fluids, and sunscreens degrades it in the long run. When such parts as helmet pads come into contact with these elements, they don’t function as intended.
Replacing the helmet after five years would be a good idea in getting rid of the above.
Last but not least, the materials in your helmets start wearing out after some time. The Snell Motorcycle Foundation cites that materials that make helmets such as plastics, resins, and glues wear out after some time.
Of course, the wear compromises the performance of the helmet. It would, therefore, be deemed right to replace the helmet after five years.
5. It’s Time To Replace Your Helmet If It Fails To Meet Safety Standards.
The rule of thumb is that your bike helmet should fit properly if it’s meant to protect you. Ensuring that it’s not too big or too small is essential for you.
Also, check that the straps are okay so that they keep the helmet in place. Immediately you notice that your bike helmet no longer fits you, replace it.
What Are The Signs That Show That Your Bike Helmet Needs Replacement?
Shell and EPS separation: Have your bike helmet checked inside. Establish whether there’s a split between the EPS and the polycarbonate shell.
If so, this is a sign that your helmet needs replacement.
Dents and Cracks on the Shell: If your bike helmet shows dents, cracks, and damages on the shell, it signifies damage.
If Some Parts Are Missing: A hidden piece from the helmet’s edge could mean it’s not in good condition.
Wearing Out Of the EPS: When the foam liner dries out, your bike helmet is in poor condition. It compromises your head during a crash and never offers you the expected protection.
Which Are The Best Bike Helmets To Consider During Replacement?
Consider checking out the best bike helmets listed below for your replacement.
1. The Smith Venture MIPS Helmet
This is a lightweight mountain bike helmet (link to amazon) designed with the latest technology. Its tough outer shell gives you maximum protection, while the inner foam lining weighing 1.65 pounds reduces the falling impact.
2. Sunrimoon UrBan Bike Helmet
The Sunrimoon bike helmet comes with the best safety features, including a high-density foam liner to absorb shock. Its plastic outer shell is firm enough to protect you from injuries during head crashes.
3. BASE CAMP Bike Helmet
BASE CAMP Bike Helmet (link to amazon) contains highly effective safety features to keep your head safe during a crash. The flexible chin pads let it fit easily on your head. It’s also equipped with a detachable rear light to improve visibility.
4. VICTGOAL Bike Helmet
Protect your head from crash injuries by wearing the VICTGOAL Bike Helmet when riding your bike. It comes with Magnetic Goggles and Sun Visors to block the harmful UV rays.
Safety Measures For Your Bike Helmet
After knowing how often you should replace your bike helmet, the next thing is to understand how to take care of it. Before a head crash with your bike helmet forces you to replace it, take the necessary safety measures.
- Always take care of your helmet when traveling. An ideal option is to store it safely in a padded backpack inside your car.
- While inside your house, store it carefully too. You can safely store it in a closet where it doesn’t fall. In addition, avoid keeping it in the garage due to unstable temperatures that weaken the hard plastic shell.
- It’s always safe to keep away your bike helmet from extreme temperatures. Keep it away from an electric motor or a heater as electric heat destroys the plastic parts like the hard shell. Besides, avoid storing it in the sun as UV rays compromise the shell and expose the EPS.
- Similar to other equipment, cleaning your bike helmet improves its life. Form a habit of cleaning the helmet with mild soap and clean water. Furthermore, you can remove the pads and clean them separately with clean water and soap. This way, you remove cosmetics, sweat, and chemical buildup.
- Often take it to the manufacturers for inspection. The manufacturer is in the proper position to determine whether there are invisible damages or not.
- Finally, you can replace the helmet pads for your hygienic and safety reasons. Of course, this makes your bike helmet last longer.
In Conclusion: ”how often should you replace your bike helmet?
Every cyclist needs to establish this so that they make informed decisions regarding their helmets.
One instance when you should never question replacing your bike is after you’ve had a crash. Since you’re entitled to a single cushion from injuries, you ought to replace your bike helmet immediately after a crash.
There are also other incidences when you need to grab that new lid. Look up helpful tips above, including the signs that tell your helmet isn’t in perfect condition. Also, bear in mind that your bike helmet requires the same amount of care you accord your bike.
Your helmet is the surest safety gear to depend on for even more adventurous biking escapades.
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