Have you always thought that buying a motorcycle helmet is a purchase of a lifetime? That is not true; due to the material, the quality, and the use you get out of the helmet, you might be surprised how long a motorcycle helmet lasts. With this article, we want to clarify how long the lifespan of a helmet is and what to focus on when you are interested in buying one.
Be aware that a motorcycle helmet won’t last forever
Unfortunately, we can’t give you an exact timeline of how long a motorcycle helmet is suitable because this depends on so many different factors. Knowing what factors these might be and what detrimental effect an old helmet can have is essential. Be aware that an old helmet might show issues with the material and therefore can’t provide the protection you need. Some of those factors are not even visible to the eye. A helmet looks good to go but might be a significant safety hazard. Not only is time an indicator that you might need to switch your helmet, but also previous accidents or just dropping the helmet. This helmet might have some dents or cracks, which might lead to a lack of protection. In this article, we want to show you what signs to look out for and what aspects should be considered when you decide if it’s time to switch out your helmets.
What to focus on, if you are looking for a long-lasting helmet
Are you getting ready for a long road trip, and now you want to update your protection gear? A helmet is one of the most important parts! Wearing a helmet is not only part of the law in many countries but a significant part of protective gear for motorcyclists. That’s why it is essential to be up-to-date on possible safety hazards and issues. Here we want to introduce you to the vital aspects that will decide how long-lasting your helmet is.
Certification and Quality
The first and most important factor for a long-lasting helmet is quality. One great indicator of quality is certifications that are even required in many places like Europe. The most famous one is the ECE 22.05 certification, which is needed for all European helmets. Helmets with these certifications must fulfill specific requirements and get tested in crash tests. In the US, the most common certificate is the DOT quality mark. These types of certifications are a good indicator of quality, but at the same time, there are other aspects you need to keep in mind. After production, the helmets get shipped out to the stores and might get damaged or show signs of issues.
Material
You might have already realized that your helmet’s material changes over time. For example, if your helmet is made of Polycarbonate and is exposed to the sun, it will harden. This is also why people assume that this type of helmet only has a lifespan of about five years, but other materials like carbon fiber are suitable for about seven years (with heavy use).
Use
The most important factor when it comes to the lifespan of a helmet is the use that you get out of it. Sure, a helmet you use once a week will last longer than a helmet you use three times a day. Factors like sweat and even hair products can impact how long-lasting your helmet is. That’s why it is so difficult to determine how long the lifespan of a motorcycle helmet really is.
Title: How long does a motorcycle helmet last?
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Do you ask yourself, “How long does a motorcycle helmet last?” Here we have all the information, tips, and tricks you need. Read more in this article!
