I’ve fallen a couple times, but no serious damage is visible on the helmet except for a couple divots here and there.
Should I consistently be replacing my helmet after a certain amount of time? After every relatively serious fall?
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When or how often should I replace my bike helmet?
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Helmets should be replaced roughly every 5 years and after any crash where your head makes contact with the ground.
Helmets will crumble, compress or otherwise deform in sometimes hard to see ways when you hit the deck. The structural integrity of the thing will be massively diminished after even a relatively tame fall. This is one area where you don't want to mess around much.
answered Sep 2 '10 at 17:30
bikesandcode
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The general rule is every 3-4 years or after a crash. Some people say that excessive sweat or UV exposure can also degrade your helmet, but no one has proven that so far.
answered Sep 2 '10 at 17:43
Chris Leon
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When or how often should I replace my bike helmet?
up vote
14
down vote
I’ve fallen a couple times, but no serious damage is visible on the helmet except for a couple divots here and there.
Should I consistently be replacing my helmet after a certain amount of time? After every relatively serious fall?
asked Sep 2 '10 at 17:12
kamens
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8036 silver badges7 bronze badges
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Helmets should be replaced roughly every 5 years and after any crash where your head makes contact with the ground.
Helmets will crumble, compress or otherwise deform in sometimes hard to see ways when you hit the deck. The structural integrity of the thing will be massively diminished after even a relatively tame fall. This is one area where you don't want to mess around much.
answered Sep 2 '10 at 17:30
bikesandcode
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4,2063 gold badges30 silver badges29 bronze badges
@neilfein - check your helmet's warranty and manual to see exactly what kind of solid objects it recommends crashing into. ;-) - matt smillie Sep 2 '10 at 23:22
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