When Should You Replace Your Bike Helmet?
Your bike helmet is hands-down the most important piece of gear you can wear while you’re in the saddle. It helps protect the body’s central command center (your noggin), shields your face from the sun, and vents hot air away from your face, helping to keep you comfy and safe mile after mile. Even if you aren’t accident-prone, replacing your helmet regularly is essential. So, how do you know if it's time to say goodbye to ol’ reliable and get a new bike helmet?
Should I Replace My Bike Helmet After a Crash? Short Answer: Yes.
Long answer: Even if your helmet looks fine after a crash, absorbing an impact can weaken the materials and reduce effectiveness, meaning it might not perform at 100% the next time around, and it’s time for a replacement. To help you get back on your bike safely and quickly, we offer 40% off qualifying crash replacement helmets.
What If I Haven’t Crashed?
Even without an accident (color us impressed), helmets don't last forever. Temperature changes, UV exposure, bug spray, sunscreen, and other factors can weaken helmet materials over time, so we recommend replacing your helmet every five years.
How Do You Know How Old Your Helmet Is?
If you can't remember when you bought your helmet, there's an easy way to check. Inside every SMITH helmet, there’s a small square sticker that says “MFG: MONTH/YEAR,” which indicates how old your helmet is. If your helmet’s old enough to swap a strider bike for a pedal bike, it's time to get a new one.
How to Care for Your Helmet
It’s important to make sure you’re taking good care of your helmet throughout its lifespan. Here are some do’s and don'ts to make sure it stays in good shape as long as possible:
Storing Your Bike Helmet
- Do: Store your helmet in a well-ventilated place so it can dry out completely between rides. A lot of our helmets come with an antimicrobial lining, but letting it dry completely is a great backup for avoiding funky smells.
- Don’t: Store your helmet in an attic, garage, car trunk, or any other place where heat can accumulate—excessive heat can damage your helmet.
Cleaning Your Helmet
- Use a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and water to clean your helmet.
- Avoid harsh cleaners or solvents.
- Hand-wash removable pads and lay flat to dry.
Have some pads that are wearing thin? No need to ditch your entire helmet, just swap the pads out. It’s a great way to reduce waste and extend the life of a perfectly good helmet.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service team.
