No matter what, safety should always come first. It is one of the primary requirements when heading for an adventure like snowmobiling.
A snowmobile helmet is a crucial safety gear that protects you from crashes, accidents, and debris encountered while on the trail. It also helps you stay warm and comfortable. But only the right snowmobiling helmet can ensure optimum protection against unwanted conditions.
However, knowing how long your snowmobile helmet will be efficient for usage is really difficult. Therefore, to help you rule out this confusion here is a guide on when you should replace your snowmobile helmet.
So, let’s get started.
How To Know When to Replace Snowmobile Helmet?
#1 Are There Any Noticeable Indentures in Helmet?
A snowmobile helmet consists of four major safety parts: outer shell, EPS liner, EPS foam layer, and retention system.
The outer shell is the hard helmet covering, which acts as the first layer of protection.
The EPS liner is an expanded polystyrene liner that forms internal cushioning under your helmet shell.
EPS foam is a comfort liner used for shock absorbency. And the retention system is a chin strap facilitating a snug fit of the helmet to your head.
Look for damage to any of these parts, such as dents, cracks, chips, frayed chin strap, indicate wear and tear of the helmet. Also, make sure you inspect your helmet carefully for noticeable indentures. If there are any, then it’s time to think over its replacement.
#2 How Does Your Helmet Feel?
If your helmet feels loose, then it signifies weakening of its retention system and comfort padding. With consistent use, your snowmobile helmet tends to lose its robustness. Consequently, making it incapable of providing the intended protection to your face.
Additionally, it may also be uncomfortable to wear and may even obstruct your vision while riding. If so, then your snowmobile helmet is no longer worth it for use. It is risk-prone and will compromise your safety.
#3 What Is Your Helmet’s Manufactured Date?
Like most products, snowmobile helmets also come with a manufacturing date. They, too, have a definite lifespan.
Generally, safety experts and most manufacturers recommended using a snowmobile helmet for 3-5 years. However, if you go crash-free in ideal situations, you can continue to use the helmet for up to five years. You can easily find the manufacture date on the back of your helmet liner.
#4 Has Your Helmet Survived Any Crash?
This is one of the primary concerns – if your helmet took an impactful hit causing its resins, foam padding, and other essential safety features to destruct, you must get it discarded.
Also, exposure to petroleum-based products such as fuels, paints, and cleaners may affect your helmet’s performance. Thus, after such incidents, your snowmobile helmet is no good for use.
#5 Check for Overall Quality Degradation
As previously mentioned, a helmet subjected to heavy impact will no longer be good for use. But that’s not it; even without an impact, a helmet quality can significantly degrade with time and wear out eventually.
So, take a good look at the helmet for any visible knockouts and decide if it has to be discarded. Moreover, as the snowmobiling sport has evolved over the years, so have the helmets. So, it may be a good time to upgrade to one packed with updated features.
Takeaway
Ignoring safety is equal to inviting risk. Considering safety philosophy, your snowmobile helmet is good for use for up to five years. Extending use beyond this or even after aggressive damages is likely to endanger your safety and health.
