A properly maintained car starts every time, consuming ~ 2 seconds. If through inadequate maintenance it won’t, failure to start is by no means the only failure mode.
IME, as an aircraft mechanic, A properly maintained car is more likely to start then an inadequately maintained one. Maintenance IS important, but it does NOT guaranty that the car will start. I agree that inadequate maintenance causes all sorts of failures and should be avoided at all costs. Now if my Family is in need of a LEO, I want them there NOW! I do not care about the fuel costs. Police cars can idle for 24/7 as far as I am concerned.
IMHO, emergency personnel should not have to worry about fuel costs. I say this as a US taxpayer. Some things are priceless. Having Fire and Police protection are two of them. I say this as a fellow who often is out of range of both of these. I live far enough out that it may take one to three hours for either one to get to where I am. In most cases that will be to late.