When Should I Replace My Helmet?

This is a common question we get from all types of riders wondering:

When should I replace my bike helmet?
How often should I replace my snowboard helmet?
Is my ski helmet too old?
Does my helmet need to be replaced?

No matter where you’re using a helmet, you need to make sure that it can properly protect your head and brain. Your safety and the safety of your family is our number one priority, so we’ve put together this helpful guide to identify when you need to replace your helmet.

1. Replace Your Helmet If You’ve Been in an Accident or a Crash

Any time you’ve been in an accident or crash, you should replace your helmet immediately. Even with minor impacts, it’s a good idea to do a thorough inspection to identify cracks and other deformations that may cause the helmet to lose its protective qualities. While resilient helmets may look fine after a large crash, there’s always a possibility of internal damage that cannot be seen with the naked eye, so we always suggest erring on the side of safety and get a replacement.

2. There’s Visible Wear and Tear

Even if you haven’t sustained a direct impact, your helmet may become unsuitable for use after a number of years. Sweat and other liquids can impact the stability of the foam, buckles and straps can loosen, and scratches may be hiding larger issues that can jeopardize your safety. Take stock of the visible wear and tear and consider how many years you’ve owned your helmet to determine if you should get a replacement, which brings us to our next point:

3. Your Helmet is More Than 3 Years Old

To maximize helmet and brain safety, we recommend that you replace your helmet every three years. This will increase the likelihood that you have a well-fitted helmet that is up to par with safety regulations, that hasn’t degraded over time. As we’re always innovating, you get the added benefit of new technologies like MIPS, a higher safety standard that helps to reduce the risk of injury by reducing rotational motion.

4. Your Head Has Grown

This is especially relevant for children but can also affect adults. Proper sizing and fit are key to ensuring your helmet is safe, plus – the right fit means a more comfortable ride! If your child is going through growth spurts or if you’re feeling your own helmet seems less comfortable, it’s always good to check your head size to make sure you’re still wearing the right fit. Unsure of how to measure? We’ve created a comprehensive guide on how to measure you can find right here!

When in doubt, it’s a good idea to be cautious and replace your helmet, whether you can see damage, you need a new size, or it’s been a while since you last replaced it. The one thing we can tell you for sure is that there is no sense taking a risk when it comes to your safety, or the safety of your loved ones.

Need to replace your helmet? We’ve got you covered with comfortable, stylish, and safe helmets suitable for multiple seasons and sports (check our safety ratings to learn more). Click the link below to shop and be sure to pick up a winter liner for multi-season use!