A Guide on Periodic Replacement of Helmets

A bike helmet is undeniably the most important accessory for the protection of a bike rider. It protects your head from potential injuries during falls or crashes and can save your life. No matter if you are going out just to buy grocery from the next street supermarket or biking long distances, it always makes sense to use helmets. And if you are out mountain biking on an adventure trip, then mountain biking helmets are a must. In fact, some states have strict laws regarding usage of helmets, and failure to do so can result in penalties.



One very important question that most mountain bikers face is how often they should replace their MTB helmets. Generally a mountain biking helmet should be replaced after 2-3 years. However, a helmet should be replaced immediately if it was involved in any crash or accident that may have destroyed the internal or external structure of the helmet. Also, any MTB helmet that looks damaged should be replaced immediately even though it is not very old. The main purpose of a mountain biking helmet is to offer protection to your head while you are riding through the slopes, and a damaged helmet may not accurately serve this purpose.



Some MTB helmets come along with instruction manuals that offer a guide on replacement of helmets. If your helmet company suggests a replacement every two or three years, you need to weigh that time period based on your usage of helmet. Get the idea by calculating the average number of hours you spend wearing your helmet. Usually helmet companies suggest replacement of mountain biking helmets after 500 hours of usage. So, if you consistently ride bike for one hour everyday, then you may need to buy a new helmet after a year and a half.



Storage of mountain biking helmets also play a very important role in deciding their life span. A helmet if not stored properly can degrade over time. Use the helmet box to store it away from heat, and other potential hazards that can harm it. Safe storage can help in extending the life span of a helmet.



Do not ignore company’s replacement guide for helmets. Even if the MTB helmet is kept unused and looks completely fine, but since it is very old, it can lose some structural integrity to become less durable. This is especially true if you have not followed proper storage instructions for your helmet.



Lastly, never forget to inspect your helmet for cracks and breaks if you are imparting on a long mountain biking journey. Remember your safety is in your hands.



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