How often to replace bike helmet? It’s important to wear a bike helmet when cycling, but how often do you need to replace it?
A lot of people don’t know how often they should replace their bike helmet. Some people think they only need to replace it if it’s been in a crash, but that’s not actually the case.
The best way to keep your head safe while cycling is to replace your bike helmet every 5 years. Read this blog post by Josh Quigley to know more.
How often to replace bike helmet?
Bicycle helmets lifespan
The average lifespan of a bicycle helmet is about three years. However, this can vary depending on how often you use your helmet, the conditions you ride in, and how well you take care of it.
If you use your bike regularly, or ride in harsh weather conditions, you may need to replace your helmet more frequently. Similarly, if you don’t take good care of your helmet (e.g., if you store it in a hot car), it will degrade faster and need to be replaced sooner.
Generally speaking, though, most people will need to replace their bike helmets every three years or so. If you’re not sure whether or not yours needs to be replaced, take a close look at it. If the straps are fraying, the foam is cracked or deformed, or there are any other signs of wear and tear, it’s time for a new one.
Does your bike helmet degrade?
Yes, bike helmets do degrade over time. The materials they’re made of (e.g., the foam) can break down, and the straps can become frayed. Additionally, the fit of a helmet can change over time, which can affect its ability to protect your head in a crash.
Does a bike helmet expire?
No, bike helmets do not expire. However, as noted above, they do degrade over time. The materials in a helmet (e.g., the foam) break down with use and age, and the straps can become frayed or stretched out.
So, even if your helmet is still structurally intact, it may not provide as much protection as it did when it was new. For this reason, it’s important to inspect your helmet regularly and replace it if necessary.
What are the signs that a bike helmet needs to be replaced?
You crash it
If you crash your bike and hit your head, even if you don’t think you’ve done any damage to the helmet, it’s important to replace it. The impact of a crash can damage the helmet’s foam, which may not be visible to the naked eye.
Even if the helmet looks fine after a crash, it’s important to replace it because it may no longer provide adequate protection.
You drop it hard enough to crack the foam
If you drop your helmet from a significant height or onto a hard surface, it can crack the foam. Even if there are no visible signs of damage, the helmet may not provide adequate protection anymore.
It is from the 1970’s
Even if you’ve never crashed or dropped your helmet, it’s important to replace it every few years. The materials in helmets degrade over time and may not provide as much protection as they did when the helmet was new.
So, even if your helmet looks fine, it’s important to replace it every few years to make sure it’s providing adequate protection.
The outside is just cloth or foam
While helmets made entirely of foam or cloth are better than nothing, they don’t provide as much protection as a helmet with a hard plastic shell.
So, if you have an older helmet that is made entirely of foam or cloth, it’s important to replace it with a newer, more protective model.
It lacks a CPSC, ASTM or Snell sticker
If your helmet doesn’t have a CPSC, ASTM or Snell sticker inside, it probably doesn’t meet current safety standards.
So, if you’re using an older helmet that doesn’t have one of these stickers, it’s important to replace it with a newer, safer model.
You can’t adjust your helmet to fit correctly
If you can’t adjust your helmet to fit correctly, it probably won’t provide adequate protection in a crash.
So, if you’re using an ill-fitting helmet, it’s important to replace it with one that fits properly.
When can you keep your helmet longer?
Even though it’s generally recommended that you replace your bike helmet every three years, there are some situations in which it’s okay to hang on to a helmet for a longer period of time.
For example, if you only ride occasionally and don’t subject your helmet to much wear and tear, it may last for five years or more. Similarly, if you take good care of your helmet and don’t use it in harsh conditions, it may also last for five years or more.
Ultimately, the decision of when to replace a bike helmet is up to you. Just be sure to inspect it regularly and replace it if necessary.
Use the 3 year rule as a guideline, but be sure to inspect your helmet regularly and replace it if necessary. Even if you only ride occasionally or take good care of your helmet, it’s still important to inspect it regularly and replace it if necessary.
When in doubt, err on the side of safety and replace your bike helmet more often than the 3 year rule.
Next, we will walk you through tips to care for your helmet.
Tips to care for your helmet
You should treat your helmet with care to prolong its lifespan. Here are some tips:
- Store your helmet in a cool, dry place when you’re not using it.
- Avoid storing your helmet in a hot car, as this can degrade the materials.
- Clean your helmet regularly with mild soap and water.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals or solvents on your helmet, as this can damage the materials.
- Inspect your helmet regularly for signs of wear and tear.
- Replace your helmet if it is damaged or showing signs of wear and tear.
F.A.Q how often to replace bike helmet
Should I replace my mountain bike helmet after a crash?
Yes, you should replace your mountain bike helmet after a crash. Even if the helmet doesn’t appear to be damaged, it may no longer provide adequate protection.
Should I replace my MIPS helmet after a crash?
Yes, you should replace your MIPS helmet after a crash.
Should I replace my Bike helmet after crash?
Yes, you should replace your bike helmet after a crash. Even if the helmet doesn’t appear to be damaged, it may no longer provide adequate protection.
Do I need to replace my bike helmet every year?
No, you don’t need to replace your bike helmet every year. However, it’s important to inspect it regularly and replace it if necessary.
Conclusion
While there is no definitive answer to how often you should replace your bike helmet, it is generally recommended that you replace it every five years. If you have had a major crash or impact, or if the helmet has been involved in a fire, then it is time to replace it immediately. Here at Big Buddy Bike, we want to make sure that you have everything you need to stay safe while cycling, so be sure to visit us online for all of your biking needs. Thanks for reading!
