How often should you inspect your helmet for wear and tear?

Inspecting your helmet for wear and tear before each ride is crucial for your safety. Helmets are designed to absorb impact and protect your head, but their effectiveness can diminish over time due to various factors such as exposure to sunlight, temperature fluctuations, and regular use. By conducting a pre-ride inspection, you ensure that there are no visible signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, or worn padding, that could compromise the helmet's protective capabilities.

Additionally, regular checks can help identify issues like loosened straps or degraded materials that might not be apparent until you closely examine the helmet. This proactive approach helps to ensure that you are always using equipment that is safe and effective, providing you the best protection while riding.

The other suggested inspection intervals may not be frequent enough to guarantee that the helmet will be in optimal condition before each ride, potentially putting the rider at risk if suddenly a critical flaw is discovered only after a significant time has passed.