SAN ANTONIO – A bike helmet is designed to absorb impact but also needs to be lightweight to be practical. That light weight can make it vulnerable, which is why you need to take care of your helmet so it will take care of you.
Testers at Consumer Reports said caring for a helmet starts with where you store it. They recommend a shelf in your house or garage, where it’s relatively cool and dry. Never keep it in the car, especially in the summer. Extreme heat could degrade the foam, compromise the integrity of the helmet.
Clean it with good old, soap and water. Harsh chemicals like ammonia and bleach may damage the foam and the shell. {C}
RELATED: Kids' bike helmets put through crash tests
Be aware of any dents. Even small ones mean the helmet has already absorbed some energy, making it less effective if you crash.
Replace a helmet after any crash whether it appears cracked or not. A bicycle helmet is designed to take one impact.
Consumer Reports said people should also consider replacing a helmet that is more than five years old even if it appears undamaged and has never been in a crash. Some manufacturers even recommend replacing a helmet earlier than that.
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READ MORE: Consumer Reports: 'Don't buy this bike helmet'
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