Shopping for Kia Optima wiper blades isn’t rocket science. But you do need to choose the best blades for your money. After all, you’ll depend on them to help you drive safely – they must clear your windshield so you can see the path ahead. And impaired visibility can increase your odds of getting into an accident. So what do you need to know when buying your new wiper blades? Take a look at this short guide to get the skinny on wiper blade sizes, styles and more.

Are There Different Sized Blades for Optimas?

While browsing for Optima wiper blades, you may have seen them in several different sizes. This isn’t a mistake – it’s by design. Like many other vehicles on the market, your Kia Optima uses two differently sized wiper blades. That’s because of the wipers’ position on your windshield. The driver’s side wiper arm must be long enough to properly reach the windshield’s surfaces. When shopping for 2015 Kia Optima wiper blades, you’ll need a 24-inch blade on the driver’s side and an 18-inch blade on the passenger’s side.

What Type of Blades Can You Buy?

When you purchase your blades, you’ll also want to pay attention to the style that you buy. Not all blades are alike, especially in their design and construction. You’ll probably notice three kinds on the market: conventional, beam and hybrid.

So, what’s the difference between the three? Well, conventional blades are the traditional type with a rubber squeegee attached to a metal frame with pivot points. Beam blades use a solid piece of rubber that’s curved to maximize contact with your windshield glass. Hybrid blades use a curved aerodynamic rubber shell linked to a metal frame with pivot points.

Each blade style has its advantages. Conventional blades are inexpensive and provide solid performance, but they may wear out faster with frequent use or in extreme weather conditions. Beam blades are the priciest, but they deliver efficient cleaning even in lots of rain or snow. As a bonus, they can last up to twice as long as conventional blades. Hybrid blades blend the best of both: advanced design with a lower price point. They last longer than conventional yet don’t cost as much as beam blades.

There’s one other thing to consider when buying your blades – the brand you choose. Wherever you go, you’ll have access to a large selection from many different manufacturers. Drivers give high marks to Bosch, RainX and Duralast blades because of their quality and performance track records. You’ll note that all three brands carry beam, conventional and hybrid styles in their product lines.

Where To Buy Wiper Blades

Still searching for “windshield wipers near me”? Your best bet is shopping at a reputable aftermarket auto parts and accessories store. Whether online or in person, you’ll have access to a huge range of brands and styles. For greater convenience, select a store with an in-store pickup option. You’ll save time and get your blades fast.