Disclosed is a method for increasing the braking effect in a motor vehicle with a hydraulic brake system. In the method, in case of a reduced effectiveness of the brake system, a brake pressure in at least one wheel brake is increased by switching on an energy supply unit. A check is made whether a brake pressure (pTMC) in a master brake cylinder (3) reaches a predetermined threshold value (pT), and that the energy supply unit (9, 10) is disabled upon expiry of a predetermined length of time (Δt), which begins the instant it is detected that the brake pressure (pTMC) has reached the predetermined threshold value (pT). Also disclosed is a device that is appropriate to implement the method.