An automatic speed control including repeated autonomous establishment of a setpoint variable regarding a setpoint speed and/or a setpoint acceleration of the vehicle in such a way that the setpoint speed is smaller or equal to a specified or established maximum speed and/or the setpoint acceleration of the vehicle remains smaller or equal to a specified or established maximum acceleration controlling at least one vehicle component by taking into account the autonomously newly established setpoint variable so that an actual speed of the vehicle corresponds to the setpoint speed and/or an actual acceleration of the vehicle corresponds to the setpoint acceleration; and establishing the maximum speed and/or the maximum acceleration by taking into account a measured and/or estimated temperature of a component of a wheel brake caliper and/or a driving variable that is relevant for overheating of the component of the wheel brake caliper.