Do Bike Helmets Deteriorate with Age?

You emptied your savings to secure the best modular motorcycle helmet. Upon trying it, the hood’s look, comfort, fit, and breathability are just top-notch. 

However, with time its pristine condition is no more, and the lining registers a far distant awful smell. And it no longer clamps to your head like it did the initial months.

Such a change ignites questions through your mind; do bike helmets age and deteriorate with time? And can you minimize that deterioration? 

You don’t have to take a guess, instead read on for the truth about bike helmets’ aging. 

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What are the Common Bike Helmet Materials?

A bike helmet consists of several parts featuring diverse materials. The shell often features thermoplastic, Kevlar, carbon, or fiberglass. Beneath is the EPS padding material that absorbs the energy of the impact. And then we have the straps, plastic or metallic buckles, and locks.  

Do Bike Helmets Degrade with Time?

When you purchase a motorcycle helmet all the parts are in pristine condition and thus provide optimum service. The fit, comfort, reliability of the locks, and energy dispersion ability of the shell are superb.

 But even if you escape accidents, the performance of the hood degrades over time. The helmet degradation results in loose buckles, locks popping up at will, straps fraying, and the helmet growing loose. Hence yes bike helmets degrade with time till it reaches a point where replacement is inevitable. 

Why Do Bike Helmets Deteriorate with Age?

Helmet Gurus trace the degradation of helmets with time to some reasons. The locking and unlocking of the buckles and locks eventually makes them wear out. That happens due to frictional force on the quick-release buckles.

Further, as you use the helmet it meets the UV radiations from the scorching sun and other harsh weather elements. Although the detrimental effect is gradual, it eventually becomes evident on the shell, visor, and other parts. 

The ultra heat makes thermoplastic degrade and become brittle faster than carbon or fiberglass. Also, the sweat and chemicals from our hair and body perfumes gradually react with the liner. In effect, the once fresh-smelling interior produces a choking smell.

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At the same time the rubbing of the head on the padding and heat forces the EPS cushion to get thin and thin with time. Eventually, it becomes too loose to clamp your skull snugly. Still, damp and intense heat may weaken the glue holding different parts.  

How Can You Minimize Bicycle Helmet Degradation?

You can’t stop the aging and degradation of the helmet. But you can slow it down by keeping corrosive and harsh chemicals away from the lid. When you aren’t using the helmet, store it in a cool and dry setting away from direct sunlight. 

And always be careful not to drop or knock your protective headgear on objects. Make it a habit to regularly clean the helmet properly, remove any foreign objects stuck on the locks and hinge mechanism. 

You can’t stop the best modular helmet from deteriorating with age. The regular use, friction, intense heat, and harsh weather all contribute to its deterioration till it expires. However proper storage, cleaning, and avoiding dropping the lid can slow down the effect.