A method for operating a motor vehicle having a vehicle electrical system, which includes at least one electrical or electronic component, which experiences a load during an operation of the motor vehicle, an accumulated load of the at least one component being ascertained, at least one type of damage contributing to the load being ascertained, a service life of the at least one component to be expected as a result of the ascertained accumulated load being ascertained, and at least one variable damaging the at least one component during operation, which is selected as a function of the at least one type of damage, being changed in a load-reducing direction if the service life to be expected of the at least one component deviates from a setpoint service life.