This article is part of our Helmet Awareness Week, brought to you by Troxel.
You’ve been helmet shopping, and you’ve chosen the right one. Now, protect the investment that protects your head by caring for the helmet properly. We’ve outlined some essential tips that will help you care for your helmet and ensure its longevity.
Protect Your Investment
Essential Tip #1: Damaged helmets need replaced. If your helmet falls—while you’re wearing it or if you drop it hard—it should be replaced. Even if you don’t see a crack, there can still be internal damage that will affect the integrity of the helmet.
Essential Tip #2: Keep it clean. Clean your helmet regularly with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents. Removable liners should be gently washed to remove buildup from sweat, sunscreen, and dirt.
Essential Tip #3: Let it breathe. Air out your helmet from sweat to prevent the liner from breaking down. Should you choose to wash your liner to rid it of sweat, make sure it’s completely dry before putting it back in your helmet.
Essential Tip #4: Protect it from the elements. Keep your helmet out of the elements. Of course, you’ll be riding in all kinds of weather, but don’t store your helmet in extreme temperatures or leave it out when you aren’t wearing it.
Essential Tip #5: Check the instructions. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for your specific helmet model.
Essential Tip #6: Bag it up. Purchase a helmet bag to store your helmet in. Keeping your helmet in a bag allows you to hang it securely from the bag straps. A helmet bag is an extra layer of protection for your helmet—safeguard your investment.
Essential Tip #7: Protect the chin straps. Don’t hang your helmet by the chin straps. Doing so will stretch out the straps and increase the chances of the helmet being dropped and damaged.
Essential Tip #8: Retire it when it’s time. Helmets won’t last forever, regardless of how well you care for them. Although buying a new helmet is an investment, your brain is a bigger investment. Generally, the rule of thumb is to retire a helmet after 5 years, but this can vary based on manufacturer recommendations.
