As per manufacturer’s data sheets, a 12V rechargeable lead-acid battery should be operated within 10.1V and 13.8V. When the battery charges higher than 13.8V it is said to be overcharged, and when it discharges below 10.1V it can be deeply discharged. A single event of overcharge or deep discharge can bring down the charge-holding capacity of a battery by 15 to 20 per cent.
It is therefore necessary for all concerned to monitor the charge level of their batteries continuously. But, in practice, many of the battery users are unable to do so because of non-availability of reasonably-priced monitoring equipment. The circuit idea presented here will

This circuit delivers an initial voltage of 2.5V per cell to rapidly charge a car battery. The charging current decreases as the battery charges and when the current drops to 180 mA the charging circuit reduces the output voltage to 2.35 V per cell, leaving the battery in a fully charged state. This lower voltage prevents the battery from overcharching, which will shorten its life.
The LM301A compares the voltage drop across R1 with a 18 mV reference set by R2. The comparator’s output controls the voltage regulator, forcing it to produce the lower float voltage when the battery-charging current, passing through R1, drops bellow 180 mA.

Car battery charger circuit review:
Modern acid batteries and plates Pb, are embodiment of simplicity in use. Unlike NiCd batteries, they must be recharged by connecting to a constant voltage. In this situation, the loading current will provide a good indication of the state of loading.