Like all other things on planet Earth, the quality and effectiveness of motorcycle helmets deteriorate over time. They are your first line of defense on the road. We answer the question of how long does a motorcycle helmet last, dynamically, so that you know exactly when to get a new one.
How Long Does a Motorcycle Helmet Last?
Irrelevant to what anyone tells you, the answer to this question varies with different situations. Of course, there is a general ruling on the lifetime of helmets. But we try to unfold all the possible experiences that a helmet might go through so that you get a vivid idea about the lifespan of the helmet.
Normal Usage
The general lifeline of a motorcycle helmet is 5 years if it has not been subjected to any crashes or drops. This timeframe is backed up by a famous helmet safety certification provider, Snell Memorial Foundation, as well as some renowned helmet manufacturers like Shoei.
Snell explained that the liner’s materials, which do most of the protecting work upon impact, are affected by glues, resins, etc. used during helmet production. In addition to those, the liners get in touch with the oil, grease, and other cosmetics from your head. These decrease the quality of the liners.
Crashes
Your helmet does not have any life left in it after it has been through any type of crashes. A crash is a high-speed impact that sucks all the protective power of your helmet in return for your safety. The helmet loses its life on the spot.
Drops
Dropping your helmet from the top shelf straight on the ground takes away most of the helmet’s protective ability. So it is better not to use it on roads afterward. But, modern motorcycle helmets have very good build quality. They can withstand a low drop or two. However, dropping the helmet frequently isn’t a good idea.
Should I Replace My Motorcycle Helmet After a Crash
Absolutely! Replace the helmet as soon as possible. Additionally, make sure that no one else uses it on their head while riding. Helmets are a one-time protection solution for your head. With all its safety measures broken down during a crash, the best thing to do with it would be to dump it in the garbage.
When Do New Motorcycle Helmets Come Out
New motorcycle helmets hit the market every year. The advancement of technologies has allowed manufacturers to experiment more and more and come up with a better design and build quality on helmets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do different types of helmets last differently?
Ans: It depends. If you are comparing two helmets with similar materials used on liners, shells, etc. then they will last the same if treated equally. But dissimilar materials on helmets will make them last differently.
Q: What can I do to make my helmet last longer?
Ans: Wear a helmet liner or a scarf over your head to minimize the contact of grease and oil of your hair to the cushions. Make sure that you don’t drop your helmet even from a small height to ensure maximum safety.
Conclusion
At this stage, if you ask how long does a motorcycle helmet last, you are going to find two short and vivid answers. A motorcycle helmet lasts zero days after it has endured a crash. On the other hand, the same helmet could last about 5years if it did not face any crashes and has been used normally.
Also read – What Kind of Paint To Use On Motorcycle Helmet?
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