Full Face Helmet · helmet · 3 comments ·Jul 31, 2022

4 Signs It's Time To Replace Your Helmet

A helmet is something like a car tire. It gets used, it gets very dirty, and it wears out. The more you ride, the sooner you will need to replace your helmet. If you are not replacing your helmet soon, you will start to notice some problems in the future that may make it hard for you to continue riding or even walk safely again.

On average, you will have to replace your helmet after every 2 to 3 years of usage. But, if you have met into an accident and your helmet has survived a big impact, you will have to replace it earlier because its inner foam could have compressed and become less secure for you to wear.

There are some signs that help you determine when to replace your helmet if you haven't crashed and the helmet looks fine. So, let's discuss this topic in detail and get into the depth of when to replace your helmet.

Helmets

Esk8 and most helmets in general are designed to protect your head and neck in an accident. They are made of hard plastic and EPS from the inside. This makes them rugged and sturdy.

Also Read: 4 Best Half Face Helmet For Electric Skateboards, Bikes, Scooters, And EUC

Helmets are designed to protect the rider's head and neck in case of hard and rough impacts because riding your PEV involves riding on rough and off-road terrain where there are increased chances of a rider crashing or meeting into an accident.

It is obvious to replace your helmet when it has survived a crash or absorbed a hard impact, but if it hasn't crashed, when should you replace it?

Let's get to know.

When to Replace Your Helmet?

As said earlier, you should replace your helmet every 2-3 years of usage according to the condition. But, some signs indicate that you should immediately replace your helmet.

So, let's discuss the signs.

It has survived a crash:

If your helmet has survived a crash or a huge impact, this is the first sign that you need to replace it because it can no longer protect you from further dangers. Helmets are designed to absorb the impact of an accident and keep your head safe. If there is any damage or cracks on the helmet, it should be replaced immediately.

The foam is crumbling inside the shell:

The foam in your helmet is important. It provides protection from falls and impacts and cushions your head when you hit the pavement. So, it's time for a new one when it starts to crumble inside the shell. When you notice that the foam has started to crumble, look at the shell of your helmet to see if there are any cracks or holes. If there are, you should get a new one right away.

It doesn't stay on your head properly:

Another important sign that your helmet needs replacing is if it doesn't fit well anymore. Your helmet should start to feel snug around your head, and it should stay in place on your head during all kinds of riding conditions. So, if it doesn't fit well after wearing it for some time, you have to replace it because it is not safe for you anymore.

The straps are frayed or misshapen:

If your helmet straps are frayed, they might not fit securely around your head. This can cause the helmet to shift while riding, increasing the risk of an injury. You should replace your helmet immediately if the straps are frayed or misshapen.

Lifespan of a Helmet

The general lifespan of helmet is 2-3 years of proper usage. But, if it has been involved in an accident or crash, then the lifespan will be decreased according to the size of impact it has absorbed.

If the helmet has been involved in an accident or crash and there is visible damage, you should replace it immediately with another one because this can potentially cause more harm to your head than good.

Do helmets degrade over time?

Just like any other item you buy, helmets also degrade over time. That's because the materials used in the construction of your helmet will break down with use and exposure to the elements.

It's important to take good care of your helmet. So, let's discuss how you can take care of your helmet to use it for a longer time.

Tips to Maintain your Helmet

Here are some tips to take care of or maintain your helmet to use it for a longer time.

Properly use your Helmet: First of all, properly use your helmet and keep it away from water and elements because water can not only damage its outer shell but it causes huge damage to inner padding or foam.

Let the helmet air dry in case of getting it wet: Letting your helmet air dry in case of getting it wet is important because the moisture inside can cause rust or corrosion on its surface. To do this, keep your helmet in an open area for a few hours and let all the moisture evaporate. But, do not keep it under direct sunlight because direct sunlight is harmful to its outer materials.

Use a wet rag to clean any stains: If you get stains on your helmet, you should use a wet rag to clean them off instead of trying to scrub them away while wearing gloves. This is because some gloves are made of rough materials, aren't designed for cleaning helmets, and may damage your helmet over time.

Store it away from light, heat, and moisture: Heat will cause the outer shell to expand, which may eventually tear or wear out. Similarly, light and moisture can also cause damage to your helmet by weakening it or changing its shape. So, storing your helmet in a cool place is a good idea to maintain its shape.

Conclusion

So, after all this, we hope you now know when to replace your helmet. For obvious reasons, replacing your helmet immediately after it takes a fall or impact could save you from serious danger in the future.

You can also increase your helmet's lifespan by following the tips above.