Helmets may seem like they can last forever, but cyclists should replace them now and then. The helmet must be in its best shape to protect the bicyclist’s head. When an accident has occurred, a replacement is necessary, even if the helmet did not sustain many dents. Helmets work to absorb impact, but once one absorbs any energy, it may not protect to the same degree if there is another accident. Once a helmet gets compromised, even if no damage occurred, a cyclist must replace it, even if they purchased it the day before. It is similar to a car’s airbag - it only gets one accident. Even a helmet that gets little use will degrade over time. The foam might last you a lifetime if not compromised in an accident, but the other parts of the helmet may not. The bike shell protects the foam underneath, but that plastic can deteriorate with time. This shell also receives all the heat and light directly from the sun, helping to break it down even faster, especially if the helmet gets used daily. The chin straps are another component that can become more fragile. Once you notice that the slide adjusters and the buckle are hard to adjust and worn out, it’s time to buy a new helmet. Helmets might not have an expiration date, but it is essential to know when to throw them out.