A solid helmet is a must-have for any cyclist. Helmets protect your head from serious, and sometimes even fatal, injuries, and they can last for years if you take care of them properly. Here are some of the most important things you can do to keep your bicycle helmet in great shape for as long as possible.

How to Maintain Your Bicycle Helmet

1. Wash With Mild Soap

After you’ve gone on a long bike ride and want to clean your helmet, make sure you stay away from harsh cleansers or bleach. Instead, use warm water and mild soap, and don’t submerge the helmet in water for longer than a few seconds. Otherwise, some of the adhesive could start to dissolve.

2. Keep out of Extreme Heat

Heat is another factor that can impact a helmet’s adhesive. This doesn’t mean that you should avoid riding your bike throughout the summer, but you should avoid leaving it in your vehicle on a hot day or storing it in a hot garage for extended periods of time.

3. Wrap Before Transporting

When you’re simply transporting your helmet, whether it’s in your car or a suitcase, make sure you don’t expose it to any unnecessary impact. If it smacks up against a wall or smashes against another hard surface, it could wear down the material so it doesn’t offer as much protection. You can purchase a helmet case or just wrap it in a sweatshirt or other soft material before transporting it to reduce the chances of impact.

4. Don’t Attach Anything

The exterior of your helmet is meant to be a smooth surface that doesn’t offer any stress points that can snag or shatter upon impact. So you should avoid attaching any other materials to the outside of your helmet with adhesive, like decorations or portable cameras.

5. Know When to Let It Go

Helmets are made to absorb the impact in the case of a fall or crash. Once that has happened, the helmet isn’t going to be as strong and sturdy—even if it doesn’t look much different. So after any bicycle accident, you should invest in a new helmet, just to be safe.

If you are looking for a new bicycle, helmet, or other accessory, look no further than Jim’s Bike & Key Shop in Columbia, MO. The bike shop also offers repair and assembly service, as well as key cutting, lock installation, and other locksmith services. The team is knowledgeable and experienced, so no matter your needs, they can provide quick and professional service. Call (573) 442-7011 or contact the company online to learn more.