5 Reasons Why You Should Regularly Inspect Your Motorcycle Helmet
Wearing a motorcycle helmet when riding is the best thing you can do to protect yourself from injury. They are 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries for motorcycle operators and 41 percent effective for motorcycle passengers, according to the National Safety Council. But your helmet won’t be effective if you fail to maintain it. Like all gear, helmets are known to degrade over time.
Are you asking yourself the question: Do motorcycle helmets expire? If so, it might be time to replace your aging helmet. You should get in the habit of replacing your helmet after five years of frequent riding. All the straps and accessories need to be intact to keep the helmet securely attached to your head when riding. The helmet also won’t do you much good if the padding is worn or starts to crumble.
Don’t assume your safety gear is up to the task at hand. Here are five reasons why you should always inspect your motorcycle helmet before you ride.
1. Cracks, Dents and Fractures
Helmets can develop all kinds of minor imperfections that can turn into major problems behind the wheel, but many cracks and fractures start out small. They happen when you accidentally drop the helmet or hit it against a hard surface. The same is true of dents, which means the outer surface has suffered an impact. This is a sign that your helmet needs to be replaced. The cracks and fractures will only grow in length and width over time, making your helmet less secure in the event of an accident.
2. Dust Accumulation
Dust, unfortunately, is hard to completely avoid. It exists virtually everywhere you look, even in your motorcycle helmet. If you like to drive in the desert or on unpaved roads, don’t be surprised to find your gear coated in fine particles by the time you get home. But all that excess debris can irritate your eyes and skin. It will also stain your helmet visor, which can lead to poor visibility. Take a moment to wipe down the inside of the helmet and strap to keep your gear clean and sanitary.
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3. Protect Your Bluetooth Accessories
Your helmet doubles as a wireless Bluetooth headset that you can use to connect to your phone or GPS hands-free. It can also connect to up to 15 riders at a time if you have the right attachments. Use a motorcycle helmet Bluetooth kit to keep in touch with your group on the road.
But all that gear comes with extra responsibility. The device should be completely waterproof and durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear. However, you should still inspect the receiver before and after each trip to make sure it is firmly attached. Most motorcycle headsets come with a clickable or magnet mount that will attach to any type of helmet but it’s still a good idea to look things over just in case.
4. Ensure a Proper Fit
Nothing could be more important than making sure your helmet fits before you hit the road. It should come with an adjustable strap that secures around your chin. Helmets also come in different sizes, so make sure you find the right one for your head.
But the size and fit of your helmet will change with age. Riding experts say a helmet can loosen by up to 20 percent after just 15 to 20 hours of wear. The straps may stretch, while the padding inside the helmet may shrink, causing it to fit differently than it did before. It should feel snug and secure when in place with the strap gently resting against your skin without pressing against your throat. Attach the helmet and try bending over to make sure the helmet doesn’t slip or slide out of place.
5. Padded for Comfort
Helmets come with different types of padding, usually sponge or foam. Some are glued onto the top of the outer shell, but excess moisture and perspiration will strip away the glue’s adhesive properties. You should never attempt to ride a motorcycle without padding. This material will absorb the force of the impact to cushion your skull, arguably the most important part of your body. Not only is riding without pads unsafe, but it is also extremely uncomfortable.
Look over the inside of the helmet to make sure the padding is still intact. Watch out for small clumps of sponge and foam in your hair or on the inside of the helmet. This usually means the pads are slowly degrading due to friction. It will continue to whittle away until there’s nothing left. If you’re not sure if there’s enough foam, put on the helmet and try pushing down on the top. You shouldn’t feel any sharp edges or grooves rubbing against the top of your head.
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Your helmet needs regular care and attention to maintain its protective features. Store your gear low to the ground or over a soft surface to prevent cracks and dents. Keep these tips in mind to hit the road with the right protection every time you ride.
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