A method for operating a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a service brake, a brake booster, a parking brake, a wheel-speed sensor and an inclination sensor is disclosed. The method including measuring the speed of motor vehicle using the wheel-speed sensor to create a speed signal. An inclination of the motor vehicle with respect to the direction the motor vehicle is sensed and an angle signal is created. The internal combustion engine is started when the speed measured is greater than zero and the inclination of the motor vehicle is greater than a predetermined value, such that the internal combustion engine creates a partial vacuum to power the brake booster to assist with the operation of the service brake.