Keep your motorcycle helmet's face shield clean. Normally, mild soap and water with a soft cloth will do the job. If it gets scratched, replace it. A scratched face shield can be difficult to see through. At night, it could dangerously distort your vision and your view of oncoming lights.
Your DOT (not novelty)motorcycle helmet looks tough and sturdy, but it should be handled as a fragile item. This means that you don't want to drop your motorcycle helmet onto hard surfaces (like pavement). It could ruin your motorcycle helmet. Remember that its function is to absorb impacts.
It is not wise to store motorcycle helmets near gasoline, cleaning fluids, exhaust fumes, or excessive heat. These factors can result in the degradation of motorcycle helmet materials, and often the damage goes unnoticed by the wearer (until you crash and die). Read the information that comes with the helmet so you know how to care for it.
Read the instructions about painting, decorating, pinstriping, or applying decals to your motorcycle helmet (it probably won't even mention it). Never hang your motorcycle helmet on the motorcycle's mirrors, turn signals, or backrest. The inner liner can easily be damaged from such handling. In fact, avoid carrying a spare helmet on your motorcycle, unless you're going to pick up a hot chick...Then it's worth the risk). Even the bumps and jarring from normal riding can damage a spare. If it is strapped near hot engine parts or exhaust pipes, the inner liner may distort or melt at the hot spot. The outer shell may not show the damage, but if you've seen the effects of a foam drink cup placed too near excessive heat, you can understand what happens.
When you take your motorcycle helmet off, find a flat, secure place for it. You could set it on the ground, secure it on a rack, or stow it on a shelf. On some bikes, putting it on the fuel tank may expose it to fumes. If you place it on the seat, make sure it won't fall off. If you plan to use a CB radio when you ride, find a model that doesn't require drilling speaker holes in the outer shell. Before you purchase your speakers, check with your state's laws regulating their use in helmets. Some states prohibit them.
Replacing Your Helmet
Replace your helmet if it was involved in a crash; it probably absorbed some impact shock. Some helmet manufacturers will inspect and, when possible, repair a damaged helmet. If you drop your helmet and think it might be damaged, take advantage of this service.
Most helmet manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every two to four years. If you notice any signs of damage before then, replace it sooner.
Why replace your helmet every few years if it doesn't appear damaged? Its protective qualities may deteriorate with time and wear. The chin strap may fray or loosen at its attaching points; the shell could be chipped or damaged. The best reason is that helmets keep improving. Chances are that the helmet you buy in a couple of years will be better – stronger, lighter, and more comfortable – than the one you own now. It might even cost less!
Can't remember when you bought your present helmet? Check the chin strap or permanent labeling. Since 1974, all helmets must have the month and date of production stamped on it. If there's no date at all, you should definitely replace your helmet – now!
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