Helmet Care and Maintenance: Keep Your Race Helmet Safe, Legal, and Looking Fresh

Your helmet isn’t just a piece of kit—it’s your best friend on track. It keeps your head safe, passes scrutineering, and (if you’re smart enough to go with a custom painted helmet from Race Helmets Ltd) it makes you look like the star of the paddock.

But just like your race car or kart, helmets need love. Treat them well, and they’ll protect you race after race. Abuse them, and you’ll be shopping for a new lid before you’ve even finished your championship.

Here’s our guide to keeping your motorsport helmet in peak condition.

---

1. Cleaning Your Helmet – Do It Right 🚿

Your helmet collects more sweat than a kart seat on a summer’s day, so regular cleaning is essential.

• Exterior care: Use a microfiber cloth with warm water and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals—they’ll ruin the finish (and your custom paint job).

• Visor cleaning: Always use a dedicated visor cleaner or plain water. Paper towels = scratches. Stick to microfiber.

• Interior pads: Many helmets have removable liners—take them out, hand-wash in cool water, and air-dry. Never use a tumble dryer unless you like lumpy foam.

---

2. Storage – Treat It Like a Trophy 🏆

• Always store your helmet in a helmet bag or dedicated case.

• Keep it away from direct sunlight or heat (no, the back of the van doesn’t count).

• Avoid placing it on a hard surface where it might roll off—helmets are not footballs!

---

3. Handling – Respect the Lid ✋

• Never rest your helmet on mirrors, roll cages, or steering wheels. It risks dropping, cracking, or damaging the shell.

• Don’t use stickers, solvents, or non-approved paints—unless it’s being done properly by a professional custom helmet paint shop like Race Helmets Ltd.

• Always handle it by the chin bar or base—not the visor.

---

4. Check for Damage 🕵️

Helmets don’t last forever. Inspect yours regularly:

• Look for cracks, chips, or dents in the shell.

• Check the visor mechanism works smoothly.

• Make sure straps and buckles aren’t frayed.

• If your helmet has been in a big impact—replace it. No exceptions.

---

5. Replacement – Know When to Say Goodbye ⏱️

Even the best helmets have an expiration date.

• Most manufacturers recommend replacement every 5 years.

• Race series may require helmets to meet current FIA or Snell standards (so an out-of-date lid won’t pass scrutineering).

• When it’s time to upgrade, treat yourself to a fresh Arai, Bell, HJC, or Alpinestars and get it personalised with a custom painted design.

---

Brand Tip-Offs – How They Stand Up

• Arai Helmets: Premium build, long-lasting comfort, but keep them out of direct sunlight to protect the shell.

• Bell Helmets: Ultra-light shells but don’t like rough handling. Always store in a padded bag.

• HJC Helmets: Great value, but clean interiors often—they soak up sweat fast.

• Alpinestars Helmets: Sleek and stylish, but the visors need regular gentle cleaning to stay crystal clear.

---

Final Lap 🏁

Caring for your helmet isn’t rocket science—it’s just common sense.

• Clean it properly.

• Store it safely.

• Handle it with respect.

• Replace it when it’s due.

Do that, and your helmet will not only keep you safe but also look as sharp as the day it left the Race Helmets Ltd custom paint studio.

Because remember: a helmet isn’t just protection—it’s part of your racing identity. And looking after it? That’s just part of being a proper racer.