MAX HELMET
Bicycle Helmet Care & Maintenance Guide & Ensuring Optimal Performance and Safety
- Cleaning Protocol
Surface Cleaning: Use a soft microfiber cloth dampened with mild soap (pH 6.5-7.5) to wipe the polycarbonate shell. Avoid abrasive sponges or solvents (e.g., acetone) that degrade EPS foam impact absorption properties.
Ventilation Channels: Remove dust from vents using compressed air (≤0.3 MPa) to prevent airflow obstruction.
Retention System: Clean adjustable straps with diluted isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration) to sanitize without corroding buckle mechanisms.
- Storage Requirements
Temperature Control: Store in dry environments (humidity <60%) at 10°C–25°C. Prolonged exposure to >50°C (e.g., car trunks) may compromise EPS foam structural integrity (ASTM F1447 Section 8.3).
Pressure Avoidance: Never stack heavy objects (>2 kg) on helmets. Use manufacturer-provided storage hooks to prevent shell deformation.
- Damage Inspection
Critical Checkpoints:
Shell Cracks: Examine for fractures >0.5 mm using LED light reflection tests.
Foam Compression: Measure EPS liner rebound rate with a durometer (acceptable range: 85–95 Shore A).
Strap Elasticity: Replace if strap elongation exceeds 15% of original length under 10 N tension (EN 1078:2012 Annex B).
- Replacement Cycle
Impact Events: Immediately retire helmets after ANY collision, including minor drops from >1.5 m height (CPSC 16 CFR 1203).
Aging Threshold: Replace every 5 years regardless of usage, as UV exposure and oxidation reduce material strength by 30–40%.