Our Guide To Motorcycle Helmet Maintenance

When it comes to motorcycle safety, your helmet is your best friend. It protects you from serious injury and ensures that you can enjoy the ride with peace of mind. However, just like any valuable piece of equipment, a helmet requires proper care and maintenance to perform at its best. In this guide, we’ll explore the bad habits you should avoid and provide tips on how to keep your helmet in top condition.

The Importance of Care

First and foremost, remember that your helmet must be handled with care and love. Dropping your helmet can cause unseen damage that affects both its appearance and protective features. Unfortunately, such damage is not covered by warranty! Always treat your helmet as the critical safety device it is.

Avoid Dropping Your Helmet

Dropping a helmet can lead to scratches on the paintwork and may compromise its structural integrity. If you want to keep your helmet looking fresh and functioning correctly, always place it down gently.

Beware of UV Rays

Neon colours are particularly susceptible to fading when exposed to prolonged sunlight. If you own a brightly coloured helmet, consider storing it in a shaded area or using a protective cover when not in use.

Light-Coloured Helmets Need Extra Care

If you have a light-coloured or matte finish helmet, be aware that these finishes are more prone to showing dust and other impurities. Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining their appearance.

Proper Storage Practices

Storing your helmet correctly is crucial for its longevity:

• Aeration: Always store your helmet in a well-ventilated area. High humidity and temperatures can damage the finish.
• Avoid Hanging: Do not hang your helmet on motorcycle mirrors or other supports; this can damage the lining.
• No Carrying While Riding: Never carry your helmet on the motorcycle or under your arm while riding; this increases the risk of dropping it.

Cleaning Your Helmet

To keep your beloved helmet looking its best, regular cleaning is essential—both inside and out! Neglecting this maintenance can lead to irreversible problems over time.

External Cleaning

For cleaning the exterior shell:

1. Use water mixed with mild soap or specific cleaning products designed for helmets.
2. Employ a soft cloth; avoid applying too much pressure while cleaning.
3. Never use fuel, thinners, or solvents as they can severely compromise safety features.

Visor Care

Your visor also requires special attention:

1. Clean using a soft cloth with mild soap solution at temperatures below 20°C.
2. Avoid immersing the visor in water; doing so could damage its anti-fog/scratch-resistant coating.
3. When storing your helmet, leave the visor slightly raised to allow moisture escape.

Strap Maintenance

Regularly check the functionality of your strap:

• The strap cannot be modified or replaced easily; ensure it remains intact for maximum safety.
• Do not apply oil or grease on metal components as this could affect their performance.

Interior Maintenance

Some helmets have removable linings while others do not—check technical specifications before attempting any cleaning:

1. For removable linings: Hand wash them with mild soap at temperatures no higher than 30°C.
2. Allow linings to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area.
3. For non-removable linings: Use soft cloths dampened slightly for spot cleaning only.

Ventilation Systems

Many helmets come equipped with ventilation systems that may require periodic cleaning:

1. Check if front vents are removable according to product manuals.
2. Clean all vents carefully using warm water and neutral soap if necessary.

Additional Tips for Longevity

To ensure maximum durability of both your helmet and visor:

• Periodically lubricate mechanisms around the visor using silicone oil applied sparingly with a small brush or cotton swab.
• Store helmets away from environments exceeding 40°C or high humidity levels, which could degrade materials over time.
• Avoid sticking stickers or tape onto visors as they may cause permanent damage.

In summary, taking care of your motorcycle helmet goes beyond just wearing it during rides—it involves understanding how to maintain its integrity through proper handling and storage practices as well as regular cleaning routines. By avoiding the bad habits outlined above and following our guide to effective maintenance techniques, you will ensure that both you and your beloved gear remain safe on every journey!

Remember: A well-maintained helmet not only looks good but also performs better when it matters most!

Race Leathers Motorcycle Gear Darwen

Check out our full range of motorcycle helmets, including full face motorcycle helmets, open face motorcycle helmets, flip front motorcycle helmets, off road motorcycle helmets and childrens motorcycle helmets, available online or by visiting our Darwen store today. If you have any questions regarding any of our ranges, please call our customer service team at Race Leathers Motorcycle Gear store on 01254 704 000 and we will be more than happy to help.