7 Signs You Need To Replace Your Motorcycle Helmet

If you ride your motorcycle or ATV often then your helmet gets a lot of use. At some point you will have to replace it but the question is when?

How long does a motorcycle helmet last? The general rule of thumb is to consider replacing your helmet every 3-5 years barring that the helmet has not experienced any accidents or significant impact.

Most manufacturers and safety organizations recommend this especially if you wear your helmet consistently. However, there are a few other signs you should be paying attention to in order to help you determine when it is time to get yourself a new motorcycle helmet.

Do You Need To Replace Your Helmet If You Drop It?

I’m sure you have heard by now that if you drop your helmet you need to replace. Let me clarify any misunderstandings or concerns. Unless you drop it off the Eiffel tower then you don’t have to replace your helmet.

Many retailers may insinuate this scare tactic just to get more sales but it is simply not true. If you drop your motorcycle helmet, you do not need to replace it. 

Of course, you should check your helmet for any possible damage if you do drop it but chances are you won’t need to replace it. You would have to drop your helmet from a significant height in order to damage it to the point that you need a new one.

Motorcycle helmets and ATV helmets alike are very sturdy and robust. The majority of helmets made by today’s safety standards can withstand unintentional wear and tear, especially if you purchase one from a reputable manufacturer.

However, this does not mean you should be throwing your helmet around. I recommend keeping good care of your helmet and storing it in a dry, cool area.

Helmet Material

Before we go any further, let’s quickly discuss the material a helmet is made from. Taking a look at the materials manufacturers use will help to give you a better understanding of helmet durability.

What is a motorcycle helmet made of?

The majority of motorcycle helmets and dirt bike helmets consist of an outer shell made from some type of durable plastic, fiberglass, or carbon. These compounds are some of the most robust materials found on this planet. They will last for years to come.

They are extremely durable and have proof of the utmost resiliency. A simple drop of your helmet onto the ground should not cause it to become damaged if it is made from one of these compounds.

The interior helmet typically consists of dense foam to help absorb impact. If you dropped your helmet with something heavy inside of it, you may need to check the foam for deformation. The foam does a great job of absorbing and dispersing impact so dropping your helmet should not drastically impact the integrity of your helmet to the point that you need a new one.

You will also find some type of moisture-wicking lining inside your helmet as well. This lining will help absorb sweat and other moisture to preserve the integrity of the helmet. Unless you are filling your helmet with water and then letting it free fall from your roof, you do not have to worry about getting a new helmet if you accidentally drop it.

Signs You Need A New Helmet

Below I have listed 7 signs to look for that will help determine if you need a new helmet. As a beginner rider, these tips helped me to know if I needed to replace mine.

#1 – Helmet Age

How old is your helmet? Like I mentioned at the beginning of this article, if you have worn your helmet for over 5 years, then it might be time to replace it.

But why should you replace your helmet every 5 years? After 5 years of consistent wear and tear, your helmet will have more than likely weakened. I know it may look like it is in perfect condition but you should consider its age and the impact it has on the components of the helmet.

If you wear your helmet consistently, it becomes exposed to weather, dirt, UV rays, and other elements that you may not think about having an effect on the integrity of your helmet. These elements ultimately weaken the resins and glues that hold it together.

Although there is no definitive research on this, the 5 year age expiration date is enforced by most manufacturers. There are other factors that can play into the lifespan of your helmet. So even though 5 years is the recommended age limit for a replacement, it could be a few years less or more.

The average Shoei helmet lifespan is around 5 years. You can use that as a reference point since they are one of the most reputable brands in the industry. Also, Snell safety standards enforce a 5-year policy. Therefore manufacturers make sure to abide by this to prevent potential lawsuits.

#2 – Usage

If you wear your helmet every day, it becomes exposed to constant wear and tear. It may not be entirely apparent but consistent use weakens the integrity of your helmet over time.

You can compare it to riding your bike or driving your car every day. As the miles stack up, you need to either perform more maintenance or purchase a new one.

#3 – Have You Been In An Accident?

This should be completely obvious but this fact needs to be mentioned. If you have experienced an accident then it may be time for a new helmet. You need to thoroughly check your helmet and possibly get it x-rayed for any damage.

Wearing a broken helmet will not serve you any protection. I can’t stress this enough. Do not wear a helmet that has been in an accident. It is simply not worth your life to save a few dollars.

#4 – Helmet Becomes Loose

When you buy a new helmet it fits very snug. If you turn or shake your head it remains stuck to your noggin like glue.

To determine if your helmet has loosened try this test. Shake your head side-to-side.  Does it remain stuck to your head or does it slide around? If your helmet slides around while shaking your head, this means your padding has become compacted and may be time for a replacement. You can also check for indentations in the foam lining.

Your helmet should hug your head firmly. You do not want to be in an accident wearing a loose helmet. Traumatic brain injury has been linked to loose-fitting helmets so make sure yours fits tightly or get a new one.

#5 – Interior Starts Deteriorating

Usually, it is not the outside shell that deteriorates first. It is typically the lining and foam inside of the helmet. If the inside of your helmet starts to flake off into your hair or onto your shoulders, that is a good sign you need a helmet replacement.

Whether this happens after 3 years of use or 5, I would seriously consider purchasing a new helmet. Since the EPS liner is usually painted black, you can also check for tiny white cracks forming inside of your helmet.

If this happens that means the integrity of the helmet is weakening and will not be able to absorb impact effectively. Be mindful if you use hair product as that can assist in deteriorating the insides of your helmet.

#6 – Exterior Start Deteriorating

If the shell of your helmet becomes brittle, has cracks, or begins to fall apart then you need to replace your helmet. I’m hoping this is obvious but just want to make sure that wearing a helmet in this weakened condition is not safe.

The shell is the first point of contact during an accident. Therefore this part should be very strong and durable. Any cracks in the shell will instantly expose your head to injury if you are in an accident.

#7 – Strap or Lock Failure

Have the straps stopped working properly on your helmet? For those of you who wear your helmets often you may notice that your strap locks have become corroded due to weather and dirt.

Your helmet chin strap is a critical component to keeping your helmet on your head. If this part does not work properly then it might be time to buy a new helmet or find a chin strap replacement.

Last thoughts

I’m sure you know that your brain is your number one priority when it comes to riding a motorcycle, dirt bike or ATV. Therefore you need a helmet that works.

Your helmet can last a while if your store it properly and perform regular maintenance. You should still consider the age and usage of your helmet when deciding to buy a new one.

Another reason to buy a new helmet, beyond the normal wear and tear, is the advances in helmet technology. It seems like every year manufacturers come out with new head protection designs that are better than previous versions.

Another key takeaway you should keep in mind is to never wear a used helmet. It may look fine on the surface but may have hidden cracks in the helmet that can go undetected by the human eye.