a method of operating a motor vehicle that is equipped with sensors to detect the rpm - rates of the driven wheels includes the steps of : a ) determining current rpm - rates of one or more driven wheels ; b ) examining the current rpm - rates for potential errors ; c ) detecting whether a command for a gear shift has been initiated ; and d ) in case an error was found in step b ), taking protective measures so that the engine cannot be forced to run at rpm - rates detrimental to the safe operation of the vehicle as a consequence of executing and completing the gear shift .