Before I invest in an Auto helmet, can some pros give their views on using a m/cycle helmet for karting? Do I have to get a auto helmet? What is the diff between the 2 helmets?

Well, auto helmets are typically...

more expensive
have smaller eye ports
have nomex lined interior ( see the pale yellow coloured strap as clue )
have a thicker 3mm thick visor
a clip on the visor for a more secure closing
possibly have less ventilation openings on some models
and most often comes in white colour only....

Bike helmets have opposite of the above although maybe some higher end nike helmet models are not cheap either.

More important, choose one which fits ur end and make sure u know how to strap it safely....dun laugh, I have seen a kid's helmet fly off at impact....

Aditionally you can get a Snell K2005 certified karting helmet, which are usually exactly the same as a SA2005 (for car racing) helmet except without a nomex liner.

The choice between car/bike helmet depends where you'll be racing. If you'll be doing just rental karting then a good quality bike helmet is just as good as a car racing/karting helmet imo. Some racing series' require a SA or K certified helmet so there's no point getting a car helmet.

I think at least all club-level karting should allow Snell M-standard helmets as they offer protection deemed good enough for all bike racers, so why not karting? I'm no crash test dummy but it seems like karting head impacts are more similar to those experienced by bike racers than car racers.

Thanks for the quick replies guys, I do have a snell2000 approved helmet so i guess that will be good enough.

wearone,

I guess after u asked all the question....u should at least tell us what sa2000 spec helmet u have now.

Btw, sa2000 should be expiring if I am not wrong too.....

Its a Shoei x-eleven m/cycle helmet. Manufactured in 2003

SA2000 car helmets will be good for racing up to 2010.

wearone a M2000 helmet might be good in some karting series' but others will require a SA or K standard. Just depends what you're racing.