an evaluation in step s 4 can identify whether or not the vehicle will soon be driven in a full load or a partial load range if such a driving state is to be expected the steps s 2 and s 100 are carried out in the same way as step s 100 if no optimum driving states are to be expected step s 5 follows in which a check is performed to determine whether or not the no x storage catalytic converter is in a critical load state if this is not the case the regeneration can be postponed to step s 50 it is practical to install a warning lamp in the display panel which indicates that the particle filter or the no x storage catalytic converter is in a critical state therefore if the load state is critical step s 6 follows in this way according to the invention the temperatures of the brakes and or the oil temperature of the torque converter or the temperature of the clutch are checked in this case it can also be practical to measure 1 2 or all 3 temperatures or for example to simulate them on the basis of a model if the brakes are for example cool enough so that no fading can take place step s 7 follows in this case a check is.