My AccountIn this post we’ll explore the factors that can affect a helmet’s lifespan, and the signs to look out for that may suggest your helmet needs replacing.
How Long Do Motorcycle Helmets Last?
A good motorcycle helmet should last:
- between three and five years from the date you used it for the first time, or
- seven years from the date of manufacture
whichever comes first.
However, that said, there are many factors that can affect a motorcycle helmet’s lifespan. In the event of an accident, your life may depend on your helmet.
What Affects The Lifespan of a Motorcycle Helmet?
Two main factors will affect the lifespan of a motorcycle helmet: How you use it, along with some environmental factors.
How Helmet Use and Storage Affect Its Lifespan
- The more you use your helmet, the faster it will degrade. If you ride every day, your helmet will degrade much sooner than it would if you only rode occasionally. This is because sweat from your skin, and oils from your hair, will gradually break down the helmet’s lining over time.
- If you store your helmet in a garage or a shed, it may get exposed to harsh temperatures and other environmental factors that could cause it to degrade faster.
- It’s important to keep your motorcycle helmet clean. But if you use harsh or abrasive chemicals, you could accidentally damage the helmet’s shell and lining.
Environmental Factors Affecting Your Motorcycle Helmet’s Lifespan
- Motorcycle helmets are susceptible to UV light. If your helmet is exposed to too much direct sunlight, its lining and shell could become brittle. This would make it less effective at absorbing impact during an accident.
- Extremely high or extremely low temperatures could also degrade the helmet’s materials. This is why it’s not a good idea to store your helmet in a cold shed or garage!
- Moisture can corrode the helmet’s metal components while damaging the lining.
Signs Your Motorcycle Helmet Needs Replacing
- Check the dates. Remember, the helmet should last between three and five years from the date you first used it or seven years from the manufacturing date, whichever comes first. If your helmet’s getting old, then you should replace it, even if it’s not showing any signs of wear and tear. Pay attention to the manufacturing date, which you should find on a sticker inside the helmet. If the helmet’s more than seven years old, you should stop using it, even if you’ve barely used it before.
- Been in an accident? Motorcycle helmets are usually designed to withstand just one If you are involved in an accident that impacted your helmet, then its structural integrity may be compromised, which means it may not offer the same protection in a future accident. So it’s essential that you replace your motorcycle helmet as soon as possible following an accident.
- Look for signs of wear and tear. Cracks, dents, gouges, scratches, loose padding, degraded chinstraps, and damaged lining: these are all signs that your helmet’s getting old and worn, and that it’s time to get a new one. Also pay attention to the firmness of the helmet’s lining. If you can easily compress it with your fingers, then it may be too degraded to offer any real protection. A fading or peeling finish or design could also suggest that the helmet’s had too much sunlight, or too much moisture, which again suggests that it’s time for a replacement.
How To Extend The Lifespan of Your Motorcycle Helmet
- Take care when cleaning. Don’t use any harsh or abrasive chemicals. Instead, use soft cloths and mild cleaning solutions. When cleaning the interior, remove the padding if you can, use mild soap and water, and allow it to air dry completely before you reassemble. Don’t use paper towels when cleaning the visor, as this could scratch the surface and affect your visibility.
- Storing your helmet. As we mentioned above, you should not store your helmet anywhere it will be exposed to harsh temperatures, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight. Try to keep it in a cool, dry place, preferably in a bag or a box to protect it from scratches, humidity, and UV exposure. Take care when handling your helmet. Dropping it could affect its integrity.
- Don’t take your motorcycle helmet for granted. You should inspect your helmet for any signs of damage before every ride. Pay attention to the fit, too: it should be snug, and it should not move around at all when you move your head.
Further Guidance About Motorcycle Helmets
Be sure to read our guide to choosing the right motorcycle helmet for you.
We also have a guide to the best motorcycle helmet for people who wear glasses.
Finally, visit the Government’s website for more information about British safety standards, to help you ensure that any helmet you use meets all the regulations.
Don’t Forget Insurance
At Sabre Direct, we offer specialist insurance for motorcycles, with the option of adding cover for your helmet and leathers, breakdown and enhanced personal accident.
Get a quick quote and find the right insurance for your ride today – compare motorbike insurance options today.