Helmet life?

I've had my helmet since the previous one was prematurely retired, thanks to a taxi driver, just over four years ago. It looks in good condition and is solid and working perfectly well (inner visor, strap etc) but the edge of the padding around the opening has started to crack, and it's over four years old. I use it all year round.
How old is too old?
Thanks

[Tomor]

Depends on what the shell construction is and how much uv light it has been exposed to. If it is plastic shell, and you use it everyday, it is probably past it's best, but if it is a composite structure it's probably about time you should be thinking about a new one, towards next year IMO.

[DarrenSV650S]

Does it smell?

Tomor - It's an Airoh Force thermoplastic shelled helmet. I ride 200 miles a week in all weathers, but sadly not as much as that in the summer as I'm a teacher and use the bike to commute so it's indoors for most of the summer sun
Darren - Yes, although I was out the lining every summer so it will get done again soon.

[Tomor]

Personally I would start looking for a new helmet. Don't rush out and buy the first one you see, but take your time to get one that fits snugly and you like the look of. The uv attacks the helmet shell and a lot of manufacturers say a plastic shell helmet has a shelf life of 3-4 years so as you are around the 4 year mark, but don't use it that much in the summer, take your time to find a nice new lid. this is all my opinion before anyone flames me for something they disagree with!

Cheers.
I took my time looking for this one, and the one before, so I'll do the same again. We've got an Infinity shop in Norwich who's prices seem reasonable so I'll keep an eye out for some end of season sales. Maybe head over to the BMF Tailend show?

Yeah id say get a new ones, 200 miles a week is a decent amount of sun exposure.

The"Collar" foam may start to crack up but that is only cosmetic and not part of the integral structure of the helmet. Helmets manufactured to meet the current safety standards are all treated for UV and unless the actual outer paint has started to fade the internals are not exposed to the elements.
I will probably be shot down in flames but unless it has been dropped or damaged in any way and is still a good fit why change it. Most better class helmets can have the interior padding removed and cleaned or replaced

Is it a myth from the manufacturers to increase sales all this about degradation and sun light/element exposure. How can you compare the British climate to South Africa or Australia who have more extreme UV exposure.

Few people leave their helmets outside or uncovered 24/7 so over 3-4 years the time "Outside" is minimal. 5000miles a year at an average of 30mph only works out at 30days over a 4 year period.

I will stand corrected if anybody can produce facts and figures to the contrary, not just hearsay.

How long does it take for a car dashboard to degrade most of which is exposed constantly through the windshield or a bit of plastic placed in the sea or landfill and that is cheaply manufactured materials compared to a crash helmet.

[NTECUK]

new plastic lid every 2 years for me.
My Aria Rx7 is over 4 years old and has only been used a dozen times. like new don't. think age its more treatment.

[Biker Biggles]

Originally Posted by Dicky Ticker

The"Collar" foam may start to crack up but that is only cosmetic and not part of the integral structure of the helmet. Helmets manufactured to meet the current safety standards are all treated for UV and unless the actual outer paint has started to fade the internals are not exposed to the elements.
I will probably be shot down in flames but unless it has been dropped or damaged in any way and is still a good fit why change it. Most better class helmets can have the interior padding removed and cleaned or replaced

Is it a myth from the manufacturers to increase sales all this about degradation and sun light/element exposure. How can you compare the British climate to South Africa or Australia who have more extreme UV exposure.

Few people leave their helmets outside or uncovered 24/7 so over 3-4 years the time "Outside" is minimal. 5000miles a year at an average of 30mph only works out at 30days over a 4 year period.

I will stand corrected if anybody can produce facts and figures to the contrary, not just hearsay.

How long does it take for a car dashboard to degrade most of which is exposed constantly through the windshield or a bit of plastic placed in the sea or landfill and that is cheaply manufactured materials compared to a crash helmet.

Agreed.