A helmet is an important piece in every rider’s arsenal of gear, and while finding a great helmet that fits well and looks rad is a fantastic feeling, helmet materials do degrade over time; even with proper storage and care. It is important to regularly check motorcycle helmets for signs of wear, like dents in the shell or fraying straps, and replace helmets when necessary.
Motorcycle helmets protect riders by absorbing shock and impact in an accident, typically with high density foam. While it is a tried and tested technology, one of the limitations of this material is that it inevitably degrades over time, due to sun exposure, oxygen, and moisture. As the foam degrades, it can become brittle and less able to absorb and redistribute impacts to the helmet. In addition to the foam, the helmet’s shell material, often strong plastics or fiberglass, and in some cases, carbon fiber, degrades as well, becoming brittle and even prone to shattering. Not good!
Due to the limitations of materials science presented above, it is important to replace motorcycle helmets every three to five years. In addition to the nature of the materials degrading, new helmet technology can offer more protection and additional features, and nobody wants to miss out on having the best possible protection on the road. Newer helmets can also offer lower weights, more noise reduction, self-tinting face shields, and additional ventilation, increasing comfort and enjoyment in addition to protection.
Most helmets have a manufacture date listed somewhere in or on the helmet. Check the clasp, under the interior padding, and some even have a long tag tucked into the neck padding. Manufacture dates typically show a month and year when the helmet was manufactured, and if the year was more than three to five years ago, it may be time to find a replacement. While many signs that a helmet needs replacement are immediately visible, like significant sun fading on the shell or heavily worn interior padding, many other signs are not. Damage to high density foam is often not immediately apparent on visual inspection, so it’s important to be safe, rather than sorry when it comes to protection.