[Volvorama]

Each to their own. What I like about Volvos is that the parts fit together so well that the recommended 'smear of grease' is usually enough to prevent leaks and the gaskets don't rip when things are taken apart, saving all that boring gasket scraping business.
Oh, I didn't mean silicone grease, I was referring to the silicone rubber instant gasket stuff. It's a great help on the rubber ring joints that Volvo use (eg water pump, thermostat) if the aluminium or steel surfaces are damaged by corrosion.