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Head protection is an essential part of staying safe when participating in outdoor activities like biking, motorcycle riding, and mountain climbing. A helmet protects you against serious injury or potentially fatal head trauma in case of an accident.
However, it is important to not only choose the right helmet for your activity but also to maintain and care for them properly. In this blog post, we will discuss the various types of helmets available as well as key considerations and tips on how you can best care for your helmet. So let’s take a look! Follow along as we detail everything you need to know about regular maintenance of helmets – read on to find out more!
Types Of Helmets
Full Face Helmets
Full-face helmets are designed for more complete protection of the head and face area. They extend further down the sides and back, providing additional coverage over open-face helmets. These helmets often come with a chin bar to protect against the impact on that side of the head and provide a seal around the eyes as well. They also have breathable material that prevents too much moisture from collecting inside.
Full-face helmets typically include features like internal sun visors, adjustable vents, and removable liners for easy cleaning. The external shell is usually made from durable plastic or fibreglass which helps it withstand impacts in multiple directions more effectively than other types of helmet design. Additionally, some full-face models include integrated communication systems for motorcycle riders to communicate with each other while riding safely.
Half Face Helmets
Half-face helmets offer a great balance between comfort and protection for riders. These versatile helmets are well-suited to urban riding and long-distance touring, as they provide excellent visibility combined with ample coverage.
Half-face helmets can feature flip-up visors or an integrated clear visor that offers protection from the elements, such as wind, dust and rain. Furthermore, most half-face models also have proper ventilation which keeps the rider cool during hot weather conditions.
Open Face Helmets
Open-face helmets also referred to as three-quarters helmets or jet helmets, are a type of helmet that covers the back and sides of the head but leaves the face exposed. These helmets do not provide full protection when compared to other styles of helmets, but they still offer some level of safety in case you were ever to be involved in an accident while riding your motorcycle or bicycle. They generally feature comfortable padding materials, adjustable straps and release buckles for easy removal.
When caring for open-face helmets, it is important to consider factors such as cleaning regularly with mild soap and water, and storing away from direct sunlight and heat sources as these can cause wear and tear on the exterior shell over time. Additionally, inspecting your helmet regularly is necessary in order to make sure that all parts remain secure and functional at all times – checking for loose screws or cracked pieces especially if you have been involved in a crash. Furthermore, always remember to replace worn-out parts when needed since this will ensure maximum protection on every ride!
Key Considerations For Helmet Care
Caring for your helmet properly is essential to ensure its longevity and performance, so be sure to learn all the necessary considerations from cleaning to regular check-ups! Read on to discover more.
Cleaning
Cleaning your helmet is an important part of maintenance and should be done regularly to keep it in top condition. It is best done using mild soap and warm water with a very soft cloth, taking care not to put too much pressure on the exterior surface as it can scratch or damage the paintwork. It’s also important to regularly clean out any dirt, debris or sweat that may have accumulated inside the helmet – this can easily be done by turning the lining out and washing it separately from the shell itself. Cleaning visors or other parts individually is also recommended for maximum effectiveness, making sure you use only approved products designed for use on helmets.
Storage
When not in use, helmets should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or excessive heat. Excessive exposure to the sun and heat can damage the helmet’s exterior as well as its interior lining and straps.
When not being worn, helmets should also be hung up or placed flat on a shelf; leaving them strewn around or haphazardly thrown can leave them open to damage by knocks and bumps. Additionally, storing too many helmets together can put pressure on the foam padding inside which may cause it to deteriorate more quickly than normal over time.
Inspecting
Inspecting a helmet involves checking for visible signs of damage, such as dents, cracks or fraying straps. It is important to pay attention to these details that could compromise the strength and effectiveness of the helmet. It is also important to inspect your helmet regularly to make sure all parts are working properly and that nothing has been blocking the air vents.
It’s also essential to check if any part of the strap needs adjusting over time due to wear and tear or stretch so it will continue providing proper safety in case of an accident. Moreover, any paintwork should be checked for flaking or fading which could affect visibility at night time.
Replacing Parts
When it comes to helmet maintenance and care, replacing parts, especially the removable interiors is an important part of the process. Over time components may become damaged or worn out, so it’s important to check for these periodically.
Replacement parts such as screws and clips should be purchased from the same manufacturer in order to ensure that they are compatible with your helmet design. Additionally, look for original replacement parts as opposed to aftermarket upgrades as this can reduce safety hazards due to lower-quality construction materials.
Cleaning The Exterior
It is important to maintain helmets by cleaning the exterior on a regular basis. To do this, use a soft damp cloth with lukewarm water and mild soap solutions to wipe off any dirt or debris from the surface of the helmet. Pay particular attention to areas around and behind the vents in order to remove all build-up which can affect airflow.
After allowing for the helmet to dry naturally, use an appropriate wax solution or a plastic cleaner specifically designed for use on helmets. This will help protect against fading, oxidation and other forms of damage caused by exposure to sunlight and weather elements including rain and humidity. Regular waxing can also reduce dirt adhesion making it easier for you to clean your helmet in future.
Cleaning The Interior
When cleaning the interior of a helmet, it is important to be gentle and not use any harsh chemicals, especially for the removable interiors. Start by using compressed air or a vacuum cleaner and a soft toothbrush to remove dirt, dust and debris from the inside of the helmet.
This will help reduce the amount of moisture that builds up inside. After vacuuming, use a soft damp cloth with soap or detergent and lightly massage it onto the interior liner in order to clean it thoroughly. Rinse off the soap residue after being gently cleaned before leaving your helmet to dry naturally away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Cleaning Visors
Visors should be cleaned regularly to maintain a clear view. First, use soap and warm water with a soft cloth or sponge to remove dirt, dust, fingerprints and oil from the surface. It is important not to scrub too hard as this may cause scratches or damage. If necessary, visors can also be polished using a plastic cleaner or glass cleaner which will help make them resistant to fogging and keep the plastic parts clear. Make sure that you read the directions on the cleaner before using it as some require specific application techniques for the best results.
Finally, don’t forget about any anti-fog coatings on your visor – these are designed to reduce fogging but need regular care in order to do so effectively. To clean anti-fog coatings use specially formulated solutions specifically designed for cleaning this type of coating
Regular Check-Ups
Regular check-ups should be done to assess the condition of a helmet. Examine it for any signs of wear and tear, such as scratches or cracks in materials, especially the plastic parts.
Make sure there are no detached pieces or weak points which could jeopardise safety while using the helmet. Additionally, ensure that all buckles, clips, straps and adjusters work smoothly and securely before each use.
Checking further for air vents to see if they can still suck fresh air into helmets is also advised as blocked vents could reduce breathability when riding with a helmet on.
Tips And Techniques For Cleaning And Maintaining Helmets
When cleaning and maintaining helmets, it is important to use soap and water, plastic cleaners and wax, hand wash the interiors and dry away from sun and heat for best results.
Use Mild Soap And Water
Mild soap and water are one of the best cleaning solutions for the helmet shell. It is gentle on all surfaces and effective at removing dirt, grease and grime build-up without damaging the material or components. The mild detergent also reduces the risk of discolouration or staining to plastics and fabrics.
Using a soft cloth, users should agitate the soapy solution into foam and then use this to work away stubborn marks with light circular motions. Rinse off any remaining residue with clean lukewarm water, ensuring that no soapsuds are left behind. Finally, dry the helmet thoroughly using a microfiber cloth before putting it back in use.
Use Plastic Cleaners And Wax
Using plastic cleaners and wax can help to keep the exterior of your helmet looking shiny and new. These cleaners are specifically designed to clean plastics, making them ideal for use on helmets. Be sure to carefully follow directions when using a plastic cleaner as some may require specific application methods or techniques for best results.
Before applying a wax product on the plastic parts, make sure the surface of your helmet is clear of dirt and dust particles by washing it with soap and water first. Applying wax will give your helmet an extra layer of shine while also protecting it from dirt, water and UV rays that can cause fading over time.
Hand Wash Interiors
When it comes to cleaning the interior of the helmet, it is important to take extra care. An appropriate technique for this task would be to use soap and a lukewarm water solution with a soft cloth or brush. Carefully massage the fabric’s inner surfaces but avoid using too much pressure as this can cause damage to delicate areas.
Be sure that all removed components are thoroughly cleaned too. Always let them air dry in shade rather than direct sunlight or heat as these can also cause damage if not done properly. Once everything is washed and dried, re-attach any pieces that were previously taken off before storage or further usage of your helmet!
Dry Away From Sun And Heat
It is important to remember not to dry the helmet in direct sunlight or high temperatures. Excessive heat could cause damage to sensitive components and can weaken adhesives and plastics on the helmet shell, leading to wear and tear on the product. Leaving your helmet exposed to strong UV rays may even irreversibly fade its colour.
Additionally, storing a helmet inside a hot vehicle for too long can quickly break down materials like foam padding and decrease impact protection performance over time. A good way to remove moisture is by simply air drying with clean microfiber cloths at room temperature over a couple of hours instead.
Conclusion
In summary, helmet maintenance and care are essential in ensuring that you stay safe while on the roads or trails. Whether it’s a bicycle, motorcycle, climbing or full-face helmet, it’s important to keep an eye on its condition at all times.
Cleaning your helmet regularly with soap and water and storing it away from sunlight can help extend its lifespan. Additionally, inspecting for damage or debris buildup and replacing parts if needed are also important aspects of helmet care that should be addressed. By following these tips and techniques for cleaning and maintaining helmets properly, you can enjoy long-lasting protection when out riding.