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Guide to Purchase and Maintain Your Bike Helmet

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Published on May 19, 2020. EST READ TIME: 5 MIN

Helmets are vital investments, not only in terms of the money you spend on them, but also with regard to your safety and comfort. So, before buying one, you need to consider certain important factors and check all the necessary boxes before you zero in on a particular helmet. Just like looking after personal safety is of utmost importance, one must also look into getting their two wheelers insured. A comprehensive two wheeler insurance offers insurance coverage not only against the third party claims but also the damages to your own vehicle.

Here are the primary parameters of a good helmet that you must be mindful of:

• Type of helmet
  The market is currently flooded with different types of helmets –full-faced, modular, half-faced, and many more. Your comfort factor while wearing any of these types is vital in making the final decision. Though it is always wise to go for a full-face helmet, especially for avid and daily bikers, going for a half-face can also do the trick for those riding a Scooty for daily commutes. On the other hand, while modular helmets may have more aesthetic appeal, they might not offer advanced protection like full-face and half-face helmets. Thus, go for a helmet that has high functional value instead of just stylish looks. 

• The fit
  A helmet that does not fit is definitely not an ideal choice for you. Before you pick up one, you must try it on to see if it fits your head perfectly. An oversized helmet can easily pop out while an extremely tight one can lead to suffocation, headaches and in certain cases, vision impairment. Discomfort resulting from a poor fit can often result in accidents and fatality too. The right helmet should be a snug fit, and easy to slide on or unclasp. Once locked, the right helmet will not wobble or come off. 

• Helmet’s visibility and ventilation 
  The helmet should fit properly on your head, ending right above your eyebrows so that it does not interfere with your direct vision. Moreover, the sides should be clear enough to allow ample peripheral vision and maintain caution. The scratch-resistant visor is very important for maintaining transparency and a clear vision that allows you to protect your face and eyes while empowering you to see the road ahead of you without any glitch. You can also use a tinted visor to help you adjust your vision according to the sun’s rays and make driving even more comfortable. 

• Certification
  You need to pick a helmet that is of the highest quality and duly certified. Always look for the ISI mark on the helmet which indicates that it is in compliance with all the regulations, safety instructions and government-set rules. These helmets should have cleared the safety tests that include chin strap retention qualities, minimum field of view, minimum impact, and penetration capabilities. Not having an ISI mark can cost you Rs. 100 in terms of fine, or in worse cases, your life. 

• Maintaining your helmet
  While buying a good quality helmet is important, it is equally vital to maintain its quality.  Here’s how you can maintain the longevity of your helmet.

• Assemble the right cleaning materials
  Cleaning your helmet is a delicate activity that requires the right materials like microfiber rags, baby shampoo (ideally), warm water and if you have the access to it, compressed air. These elements can help deep clean your helmet and pull out all the dirt particles without harming the exterior. 

• Remove any electronic components
  This goes without saying. If your helmet is attached to Bluetooth units, batteries or any other electronic accessories, it is advisable to remove them before putting it down for a wash. 

• Store it properly
  Helmets should be kept in dry and cool conditions. Overexposure to sunlight can soften its exterior and negate its ability to bear any impact. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid storing your helmet in the trunk of your car or your bike boot. 

• Do not expose it to chemicals
  The outer shell of your helmet is not strong enough to withhold the impact of certain washing agents with abrasive chemicals. So, avoid using bleach or ammonia as cleaning agents. Also, don’t decorate it with paint as the paint can react with the helmet’s material and reduce its protective power.

Travel is fraught with uncertainities and many a times you may need emergency services, to know how you can make use of emergency assistance service click here

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

This blog has been written by Mukesh Kumar | Motor Insurance Expert | 36+ years of experience in insurance industry

A veteran in the insurance industry, Mukesh Kumar has the expertise of handling various functions like Business Development, Underwriting, Claims, Human Resources, Quality Management and Marketing. With rich knowledge of the industry, he loves to share his views on topics of insurance sector and takes special interest in educating people on advantages of having insurance.

Mr. Mukesh Kumar recommends "getting your two wheeler insured from HDFC ERGO, a brand serving more than 1 crore+ customers. With overnight repair services and more than 6,800+ network garages, you can be assured of help in event of any damage to your vehicle".