renew helmet?

[Broughtonblue]

Is there a recommended time you should use a helmet for before replacing it? I think in the past ive read/heard that motobike helmets have a recommended shelf life, does this also apply to cycle lids? My present one is 6years old, never been in a crash, but has been dropped a couple of times on to a concrete floor when getting off the garage shelf.

 

[snorri]

Many plastics deteriorate following prolonged exposure to sunlight, have you been wearing it out of doors?

 

[Broughtonblue]

Many plastics deteriorate following prolonged exposure to sunlight, have you been wearing it out of doors?

I tend to do all my cycling outside!

 

[snorri]

I tend to do all my cycling outside!

...but some cyclists keep their helmets in a dark place in their homes. .

More seriously, there is info by Snell which suggests replacement after 5 years
http://www.smf.org/sphider/search.php?query=deterioration&search=1

 

[HLaB]

I've heard 3-5 years but how much of that is sales practice but I usually crash before that