White grease on Toyota filter gasket

[Illinichief]

I'm confused about the white silicon(?) grease coating on the gasket of Toyota oil filters. Is this grease like substance just to keep the gasket fresh and flexible until it's ready to be installed? If so, am I supposed to wipe it off and apply some oil on the gasket as the instruction on the box shows, or am I supposed to keep it on the gasket so that I don't have to apply any oil on it?

 

[MysticGold04]

I just smear it evenly over the surface of the gasket and install the filter. No need to apply oil to the gasket, however, I do Pre-fill my filters with oil before installing.

 

[H2GURU]

That grease is there to facilitate easy removal of dirty filter at next change. Probably similar to the coating on PURE ONE filters? I would leave it on, just be sure its evenly distributed.