Using an expired helmet.

Did you know that your helmet has an expiration date? Well, it does. Studies have found that helmets begin to break down after five years. (You can thank pollution, sunlight and other environmental conditions for this.)

To determine the expiration date for your helmet, look inside it for an expiration sticker. Then, chuck it once that date rolls around

Sir HaTaKe_KaKaShi,

Read about the expiration date at www.webbikeworld.com on the average a helmets lifespan is 4-5years.

However, certain commentaries mention usage of Helmet as the factor for its quick deterioration yet some individuals have commented that their helmets have lasted more than 15 years without compromising its physical appearance and integrity. Expecially here in the Philippines the physical structure of a Helmet is the determining factor for its usage. We see lots of riders on the street with faded helmets, helmets lacking in shields, strapless helmets still worn during rides. So are the manufacturers just pushing a sales pitch or washing their hands from responsibility after the 4th or 5th year of usage?

Some helmet manufacturers warn against stickers or painting their helmets whereas others have no problem or issues. Why? To protect their brand or prevent an adverse chemical reaction that could weaken the lid??? Chemicals??? Wow!!! [What next radiation or worse cancer of the brain (that is assuming there is something between the ears) due adverse chemical and radiation reaction. What are these manufacturers, in their laboratories, conjuring up next in building the shell of our helmets??? Like Dr. Frankenstein toying with people, in this case our head. Which goes first the Helmet or our head...] Could the chemical composition of the shell be the issue?

So what is the bottomline? Save your head retire your helmet on the 5th year. What if I kept the helmet insulated from the sun, wind, rain, dust and dirt for 5years do I still have to retire it? How about shelf life in stores? Would the shelf life not deprive the buyer the full 5 years? So do we take the 5year helmet lifespan rule as Gospel Truth?

Where are the disclosures re: manufacturing date & expiration date, these should be clearly seen and not hidden from the buyer. Where are the disclaimers, especially after the 5th year of usage? Unless the manufacturer intends to defraud us, the consumers, of such fact. Larceny!!! Embezzlement!!! Estafa!!!

It may be true or it may not, I am still confused. This is an issue that the manufacturers must clear up. Lest we be sold useless head protection.

Just thinking aloud...

Safe ride.

God Bless.