Helmet life?

[NTECUK]

As I dont wash my hair at work it gets oil etc in it & the main reason i guess why the EPS liner (basically Expanded Poystyrene) does deteriorate over time .Which is where more of the problem is than its shels exposure to UV and contaminants.

[Fallout]

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 too. It'll be one of those "just to be on the safe side" things. There'll be some research into it, which probably proves UV penetrates the helmet and causes a small amount of wear to the internals and shell over the years. However, I doubt very much that it's critical damage, and probably only reduces structual strength by a couple of percent.

This is all speculation of course, but basically if you have money to burn, replace it. If you don't, don't worry about it. Mine is about 3 or 4 years old and I won't replace it until I am either flush or damage it in some way.

Admittedly oils may contaminate the lining but the lining is washable and between your head and the internals. Sweat is only salt water.
I remove my padded lining frequently and wash it and on my BMW[Schuberth?] to no detrimental effect, this is now nearly ten years old.

[NTECUK]

Originally Posted by Dicky Ticker

Admittedly oils may contaminate the lining but the lining is washable and between your head and the internals. Sweat is only salt water.
I remove my padded lining frequently and wash it and on my BMW[Schuberth?] to no detrimental effect, this is now nearly ten years old.

I do give it a wash once a month.
But it does go lose ,and you dont find replacment linnings for the budget lids.
Oh dont use fabric fresh . Its too strong and made my eyes water...

[Bibio]

it's not the shell it's the styrene interior that breaks down and becomes compacted and this is why your lid becomes loose. the compacting is like accident damage. the shell of a helmet saves your head from 'rash' while the styrene interior saves it from impact due to its softer nature it acts like a cushion but unlike a cushion once crushed there is no bounce back.

[Biker Biggles]

Originally Posted by Bibio

it's not the shell it's the styrene interior that breaks down and becomes compacted and this is why your lid becomes loose. the compacting is like accident damage. the shell of a helmet saves your head from 'rash' while the styrene interior saves it from impact due to its softer nature it acts like a cushion but unlike a cushion once crushed there is no bounce back.

If its the interior layer that is subject to failure how come we are all worried about exposure to sunlight?Surely that area never gets any sun.

[NTECUK]

Originally Posted by Biker Biggles

If its the interior layer that is subject to failure how come we are all worried about exposure to sunlight?Surely that area never gets any sun.

Because of this part

Originally Posted by Bibio

the shell of a helmet saves your head from 'rash' .

[Bibio]

i think the exposure to sunlight came about with the old glass fibre lids as those used to haze and crack with age.

[Fallout]

I'd expect sun radiation also penetrates the shell to some extent.

[Biker Biggles]

Hmmm Im still with Dicky Ticker on this.Mostly manufacturers hype to get us to spend money on needless replacement of perfectly good kit.If you have a few hundred quid burning a hole Id suggest it were better spent on a brake overhaul and/or better tyres.