The invention relates to a method for protecting against overloading of a synchronizing device of an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, in particular an automatic shift transmission, preferably a dual clutch transmission, wherein the transmission has at least one clutch, at least one first shaft and a second a shaft, at least two gear positions, preferably a plurality of gear positions, atleast one gear position adjuster for effective engagement or withdrawal of the respective gear position, preferably a plurality of gear position adjusters, and at least two synchronizing devices. Atleast one controller is provided for effecting gear shifting of the transmission and/or for controlling the clutch and/or for controlling the synchronizing devices and/or the gear position adjuster. The overload of the synchronizing devices of the target gear position is prevented by determining the rotational speed of the first shaft and determining the rotational speed difference between the first shaft and the synchronous rotational speed corresponding to the target gear position, wherein only when the rotational speed difference determined in terms of the numerical value reaches or is lower than a predetermined rotational speed difference threshold, the synchronizing device of the target gear is operated.