The helmet is the most important safety element, but did you know that the helmet has an expiration date? Find out everything about the expiration of the helmet.



When driving a motorcycle it is essential to take all the necessary precautions and increase safety so as not to suffer any type of risk. In addition to responsible driving, it is essential to be perfectly equipped with a wardrobe designed for the motorcycle rider that can protect us in the event of a fall or any other type of problem.


There are many elements designed to increase our safety on the motorcycle: protective gloves, motorcycle jackets, boots ... although without a doubt the most important safety element is the helmet . Completely mandatory for both the driver and passengers, as stated in article 118 of the Traffic Law , it will be our best ally, protecting our head from any possible impact that it may suffer.


It plays a crucial role, similar to that of the seat belt in cars, even more so if we take into account that 80% of motorcycle drivers who die on the roads do so as a result of suffering a blow to the head . It is worth making the necessary investment to buy our motorcycle helmet.


What many people do not know is that motorcycle helmets have an expiration date , and that the passage of time as well as their use directly affects their integrity. For this reason, from Pont Grup we have wanted to prepare a post in which we are going to tell you everything you need to know about the helmet and its integrity. Take note, your safety is at stake.


When should I change the motorcycle helmet

Although everything will depend on each case, the vast majority of helmets have a useful life of between 5 and 8 years . The model, the manufacturer, the material with which it is made or the use that is given to it are some of the elements that directly affect the useful life of the helmet. Keep in mind that any blow your helmet receives will be undermining its integrity and reducing its effectiveness.


Obviously there are helmets better than others that last longer and are safer, but in the end sooner or later, whatever helmet you have, you will have to change it if you want to ride with greater safety, and then we are going to tell you some key aspects that will help you realize when the time has come to renew your helmet.


Attention to the manufacturing material

The material with which your helmet is made will be key to knowing the useful life of your helmet. Most of the helmets that we find in motorcycle stores are made of polycarbonate, a material whose useful life according to the manufacturers is 5 years . There are also other models that are made of fiberglass or carbon fiber, safer and more durable, with a useful life of about eight years on average.


To this must be added the use of each helmet, since if you use it every day, it has suffered bumps or falls and has been exposed to inclement weather, you may have to renew it before that time and accelerate the expiration of the helmet of the motorcycle . While if instead it is a helmet for occasional use, which has not suffered any blows and has been perfectly cared for, it will almost certainly continue to be useful after that time.


Keys to detect the expiration of the helmet

Although common sense and the times set by the manufacturers should be enough to figure out when to change the helmet, there are other elements that can help us to get out of doubt and that are perfectly detectable if we pay attention to them:


Look inside the helmet. The polymer must not show any gaps and it must be completely firm. If you don't feel like that, it's time to renew your helmet.

Cracks, strong scratches or dents in the helmet structure.

The protective foam inside the helmet melts.

The helmet closure does not work properly.


And in any case, if you have checked your helmet and have not found any of these aspects, but still feel that it is not as safe as before, it is best to renew it.


Tips to reduce the expiration date of the motorcycle helmet

And finally, we want to give a series of really useful maintenance tips that will allow you to increase the life of the helmet and enjoy it for longer, in perfect condition:


Beware of falls : bumps and falls are the helmet's worst enemy, since the vast majority of models are designed to withstand a strong impact, but no more. There are times when a fall can jeopardize the integrity of the case, so try to prevent it from falling to the ground. If in doubt, take it to a professional to check its condition.

Attention to the weather : rain and inclement weather also directly affect the integrity of the case. In case it gets wet, dry it thoroughly before putting it back into storage.

Do not paint it yourself : many people choose to paint their helmets themselves with a spray, something totally discouraged by manufacturers.

Do not sit on it : even if you have been standing for a long time and there is no chair around you, do not use the helmet as a stool. It is one of the worst things you can do.


In short, the helmet is your best ally on the motorcycle and it is essential that you have one of quality and in perfect condition. Do not worry about making an investment, since at the end of the day you will be investing in security. In addition, if you divide the price of the helmet by the number of years that you have used it, surely it is not that bad.

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