Should I Replace My Motorcycle Helmet if I See Scratches on It?

Scratches on a motorcycle helmet are common, but they're not a reason to throw it out. They don't affect the protective qualities of the helmet. If a scratch is only superficial, it can be repaired or helmets can be often replaced. A deep scratch, on the other hand, can degrade its protective abilities. This is because the material has been stretched or knocked.

EPS Foam Has Been Compressed Due to the Impact

When a motorcycle crash occurs, the EPS foam inside the helmet will be compressed. EPS foam is composed of tiny polystyrene beads about the size of a table salt. These beads are then inflated two to fifty times with a blowing agent called pentane. Under ideal conditions, the beads will be tightly bonded together. However, this does not always happen and in some cases, the cells may not be evenly bonded. Moreover, under these conditions, the foaming may not be even and it may have hidden recesses. As a result, the unexpanded beads can rattle.

In order to understand the progressive failure mechanisms of EPS foam, researchers carried out a series of impact tests. In order to do this, they conducted a high-speed camera investigation. This method allowed researchers to observe and analyse the failure modes of the shell and the foam in helmets under similar impact scenarios. The resulting images are shown in Fig. 6.

Expanded Polystyrene Liners Are Plastic Beads With Air Bubbles

The interior of motorcycle helmets are lined with expanded polystyrene foam (EPS). EPS is a lightweight, crushable material that is made up of tiny plastic beads filled with air. The material is designed to absorb impact, and it's lightweight, durable, and inexpensive to make. When inflated, EPS expands into a cushion of approximately 40 times its original size. It has no bounce-back and is very easy to produce with reasonable quality control procedures.

Expanded polystyrene is made by using a polymerization process that fills it with millions of air bubbles and causes it to expand. The material's properties vary from low thermal conductivity to high strength and cushioning. Different types of polystyrene can be used in different applications, including construction materials and consumer products.

EPS Foam Is Subject to a Natural Process of Wear

EPS foam can be subject to natural wear and tear, which may be undesirable depending on the intended use. EPS has poor soundproofing properties and is vulnerable to termite damage. It also shrinks over time, making it less suitable for building around a fire.

To combat the wear and tear effect of EPS, it is important to recycle it using a natural fiber. In the present study, the natural fibers used for r-EPS were coir and banana stem. The fibers were treated in a 5% NaOH solution for six hours. The resulting r-EPS composites had a greater tensile and impact strength than those that were untreated.

Touch-up Pen Can Be Used to Repair Scratches

A touch-up pen can be used to repair scratches in your helmet. It works by applying a thin layer of paint to the scratch. It is also useful for hiding scratches. However, it is important to remember that the colour of the paint may vary depending on the colour of the helmet. Hence, you should test the paint on a small area first before applying it to the entire scratch.

Another option is the use of a spray paint kit. This type of touch-up paint is available in a two-ounce bottle and includes an in-cap brush and reducer. The steps are the same as those for the pen.

Cleaning a Helmet

You may be wondering, "How can I clean my helmet if I see scratches?" The good news is that most scratches can be removed with a quality microfibre cloth and a suitable cleaning agent. The most important factor to keep in mind when cleaning your helmet is to avoid damaging the surface or paint. If you're looking to freshen up your snowmobile, keep reading more from us and check out Polaris accessories for snowmobile.

First, make sure the helmet is completely dry before you begin the cleaning process. You should wash the helmet using mild soap, warm water, and a soft washcloth. It helps to take the liner off the helmet first so that it is easier to clean. You should also be careful to avoid any products containing ammonia or glass cleaners because these can remove the protective coating on your helmet. After cleaning your helmet, make sure to put the shield in a soft bag and store it in a cool, dry place.

When to Replace a Helmet

It's a good idea to replace your helmet when you notice scratches on it. You may be able to get by with a scratch that doesn't have any effect on the helmet's protective properties, but if you see more serious damage, it's time to replace the helmet. The first thing to check is the chin strap. If the chin strap is worn or frayed, it's time to replace it.

Scratches and dents can be easily removed by gently rubbing them with a microfibre cloth and a cleaning agent that is appropriate for the type of shell material. Avoid using solvents, which can ruin the finish of the helmet. This is especially true of helmets with satin or matte finishes.